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Perceptions of Undergraduate Students Portraying Simulated Participants in Mental Health Nursing Simulations
Elizabeth Zwilling1, Paula Harrison2, Kayleigh Gregory3
1Elizabeth Zwilling, DNP, RN, CNE, Miami University, Hamilton, OH, USA.
Background:
High-fidelity simulations are valuable for teaching mental health concepts in undergraduate nursing programs and are most effective when programs collaborate with stimulated participants (SPs) to maximize realism.
Aim:
Examine the perceptions of student SPs in mental health nursing simulations.
Method:
The pilot study was conducted at a rural mid-sized university in the Midwest with five pre-health students and seven theater majors or minors who served as SPs in undergraduate nursing mental health simulations. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive design, responses were analyzed thematically to identify patterns across participant perspectives.
Results:
Seventy-five percent (n = 9) stated that this experience affected their own mental health. All five pre-health students reported gaining empathy for patients with mental health issues.
Conclusion:
The mental health of student SPs may be affected by learning cases and portraying a mental health patient. Careful attention is needed to maintain the psychological safety of all SPs, and de-roling and debriefing are essential. SPs need to feel supported to opt out of potential triggering experiences and encouraged to reach out for support if they are having difficulty.
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