Preparing Pediatric Nurses: The Role of Simulation-Based Learning

Abstract

Simulation-based learning is increasingly being integrated into pediatric nursing education for students as well as novice nurses in practice. Various levels of technology in simulation provide for a range of cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills acquisition within the controlled setting provided by this teaching strategy. This article provides an overview of simulation, the emergence of simulation in nursing education with an emphasis on pediatric nursing, a description of one baccalaureate program's experience in developing a state-of-the-art maternal child-simulation skills laboratory, and the role of simulation-based learning in continuing education.

Pediatric Simulation in Pre- Licensure Nursing

“…Practicing all of these skills in the simulation environment is very helpful to effective and safe future practice. While other nurse educators have discussed the importance of communication in pediatrics [1,3] this critical skill receives an intentional focus in our course. We have also shown the value of "low fidelity" simulation as a way for students to gain confidence with skills specific to pediatrics and become familiar with equipment size and variability which is often intimidating.…”

“…For many students, caring for the pediatric patient is associated with higher levels of fear, anxiety, and perceived challenge than older patients, which can adversely affect student performance [1,2]. Traditional clinical placements in pediatrics include the hospital, ambulatory locations, and school-based health settings.…”

“…Simulation-based education supports the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skill learning that is fundamental to caring for infants, children and adolescents [1]. Faculty have used both high fidelity and low fidelity simulations as an adjunct to direct care clinical experiences to expose students to specific pediatric clinical skills, including medication administration and communication with family and other healthcare providers [4].…”

“…Using high fidelity simulators allows students to engage in complex practice situations, ensuring that they will learn the skills and develop the confidence necessary to provide safe and effective nursing care when they are in a real life clinical setting [1]. In addition, nurse educators have a responsibility to help address the problem of medical errors, which are often related to communication failures [7].…”

The New RN and Emergency Patient Care Scenarios: How Simulation Can Help

“…Nursing schools need to lead the change and incorporate more clinical reasoning exercises and decrease didactic content to a reasonable level. The differences in nursing programs and the different educational entry level of a new graduate RN also are significant when looking at the need for evaluation and training of new hires [4].…”