Elizabeth Laney and Dr. Patricia Ravert, College of Nursing
Purpose:
The purpose of this project was to implement the pediatric simulator into the Nursing Pediatrics course and then assess student satisfaction. This included learning about how to run the patient simulator, finding study cases related to clinical situations, and working with teachers to plan lab time. The goal was to understand how the simulator improves student education and prepares them for the work force.
Background:
This simulator gives students the hands on experience of clinical practice in a comfortable environment. The students are able to take a simulation and learn from the experience how to respond to critical situations and what things to watch for in their patients in different scenarios. The positive outcomes from literature are, “focusing on the intended aspects of the situation, presenting serious and/or uncommon situations, learning in a self-paced manner, developing higher order thinking skills, and student erring without repercussions to learner or patient (Ravert, 2002, 203).” The use of simulators is becoming much more common in nursing colleges and most people are satisfied with the outcome from their patients (Childs & Steeples, 2006).
Research Question:
What is the satisfaction and self-confidence of students who participated in the pediatric simulation experiences?
Methodology:
The nursing 360 class, which had 64 students, was studied during the Fall 2006 semester at the Brigham Young University College of Nursing. The students participated in two scenarios; one regarding diabetic ketoacidosis and the other regarding asthma. At the end of the simulation experience each student was given a Satisfaction and Self-Confidence Survey (13-item Likert scale developed through multi-site simulation study). To conclude the research, an interview session was conducted with four students from the pediatric class and their satisfaction was assessed through questions.
Outcomes:
The students for the Nursing 360 class will have two pediatric scenarios implemented into their class syllabus this semester. Student satisfaction is high and students ask for more simulation experiences. The faculty and staff of the College of Nursing at Brigham Young University are hoping to increase the simulator lab experiences to three or four per semester in the future.
Results/Conclusions/Recommendations:
The students were very satisfied with the simulation and felt that it enhanced their college education. It was concluded that the pediatric simulator was a good investment for the College of Nursing because it allowed students to have hands on experience with a critical situation with a facilitator/faculty member to guide them through the critical situation. It is recommended that pediatric simulations be implemented regularly into the curriculum.