Lessons Learned: Utilizing the NEWS Tool in High-Fidelity Simulation

Abstract

Nurse educators can enhance students' clinical judgment by providing cues to guide decision-making during simulation. The purpose of this experimental feasibility study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using the National Early Warning Score as a set of cues during high-fidelity simulation to guide students in the development of clinical judgment, resulting in early detection of patient deterioration. Differences in clinical judgment scores and speed of detection of patient deterioration between groups of junior-level nursing students trained in the use of National Early Warning Score versus those who were not were evaluated. No significant differences were detected between the groups; however, valuable lessons were learned.