SimZones Approach to a Competency-Based Objective Structured Clinical Examination

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Competency-Based Education
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Experiential learning is key to competency-based education (CBE).
• Limited guidance exists for nurse educators transitioning to CBE.
• Structured curricula are needed to operationalize CBE in nursing programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a semester-long CBE simulation curriculum for third-year nursing students.
• Utilized the SimZone (Zone 0-3) framework for structured learning progression.
• Aimed to provide a practical model for implementing CBE in nursing education.

Main Methods:

• Zone 0: Foundational knowledge acquisition.
• Zones 1 & 2: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) preparation labs for deliberate skill practice and small group simulation.
• Zone 3: Summative OSCE for evaluation.

Main Results:

• Student performance assessed on patient safety, clinical judgment, assessment, and communication (n=107).
• Initial competency reached by 64% of students, increasing to 92% after practice, and 100% after further iteration.
• Students engaged in self-reflection through OSCE recording review and written assignments.

Conclusions:

• The described leveled simulation curriculum can serve as a model for nursing programs.
• Iterative learning and simulation are effective for implementing competency-based curricula.
• This approach enhances student readiness and competency in nursing practice.