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Use of simulation-based education to enhance clinical judgment among prelicensure nursing students
Kathryn J Vanderzwan1, Alisha A Betka1, Christine Freer1
1Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA.
Objectives:
Clinical judgment is a foundational competency for nursing students but difficult to assess in nursing education. The Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric can evaluate clinical judgment competence among prelicensure nursing students.
Methods:
A simulation-based intervention was implemented across three campuses at a United States college of nursing. Prelicensure nursing students (N=113) completed a simulation followed by a self-evaluation of clinical judgment competence using the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric.
Results:
Simulation can influence competent behavioral performance and is an effective pedagogy to cultivate clinical judgment skills in nursing students. Students self-reported advanced or exemplary competency levels for clinical judgment behaviors assessed.
Conclusions:
Simulation-based self-assessment using the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric may be a feasible approach to evaluating nursing students' perceptions of clinical judgment competence; however, further research using objective measures is recommended.
Implications For International Audience:
Clinical judgment is a universal competency required by nurses across practice settings internationally.
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