Student nurses' utilisation of self-directed simulation learning at a University in Gauteng

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Simulation Learning
• Pedagogy

Background:

• Self-directed simulation learning (SSL) empowers student nurses to manage their education.
• This autonomous approach fosters lifelong learning and professional competence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore student nurses' experiences with SSL at a Gauteng university.
• To provide recommendations for enhancing SSL utilization.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design.
• Purposive sampling of 19 student nurses.
• Focus group interviews and Tesch's data analysis method.

Main Results:

• Student nurses face significant time constraints affecting SSL.
• A compacted academic timetable limits SSL opportunities.
• Restricted access to clinical simulation labs hinders self-directed learning.

Conclusions:

• Time limitations are a major barrier to SSL utilization in nursing education.
• These constraints jeopardize the development of essential clinical skills and knowledge.
• Recommendations are provided to improve SSL effectiveness.