Elevating competency-based education in baccalaureate nursing: A simulation integration project

Simulation offers a mechanism for scaffolded learning in a safe environment and affords opportunities for students to integrate nursing knowledge, skills, and behaviors into patient care activities. Faculty applied a structured change model and utilized simulation theory and the AACN Essentials framework for competency-based education to integrate simulation across the pre-licensure curriculum at a large school of nursing. A series of clinical learning activities were implemented including one revised scenario, a computer-based simulation adapted from an existing manikin-based activity, and a multi-patient simulation developed by modifying three textbook publisher simulation resources. Students were provided with opportunities to develop competencies across multiple Essentials domains, and congruence between course and simulation objectives was achieved. The purpose of this article is to describe the processes and outcomes of a faculty-driven effort to advance competency-based education in baccalaureate nursing curricula.