Just when you thought you were done w/ nursing school...SIMULATIONS!

[RWitt10]

Simulations are becoming increasingly popular within hospitals, clinics, and undergraduate and graduate programs. Originally utilized for developing skills, simulations provide a realistic experience for nurses and physicians to practice real-life scenarios. Many scenarios have a pre-simulation component to provide complementary learning and a discussion session following the simulation. Although research and data are limited regarding the efficacy of simulations in professional practice, there are sources that suggest improved patient outcomes (Aebersold & Tschannen, 2013). Please see the article below for additional information.

Aebersold, M. & Tschannen, D. (2013). Simulation in nursing practice: the impact on patient care. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 18(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol18No02Man06.

Note: I included the DOI address, but when checking it I could not get it to work, so here is the link.

http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-18-2013/No2-May-2013/Simulation-in-Nursing-Practice.html

For our Leadership in Nursing class we were assigned to post to a nursing discussion board to gain feedback on outcomes management, and bring the information from the discussion back to class. I have chosen to focus on the topic of simulations (or any skill practice sessions for that matter) that are used in an educational or professional practice setting to improve patient outcomes. Any feedback, whether from other nursing schools or from practices in any setting would be very much appreciated (see questions below).

1. Are simulations/skill sessions mandatory in your practice?

2. If simulations aren't used in your practice, what interventions does your facility utilize to ensure nurses are remaining competent in their practice?

3. Has there been published data or results from your facility regarding improved or expected improved patient outcomes relating to skills practice sessions or simulations?

4. Any other feedback or comments are welcome!

Thank you in advance for your interest and input.

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

What does the facility do to ensure that the nurses are remaining competent...yea; and we think they are incompetent why?

[RWitt10]

Hello , thank you for your comment.

I guess I am not exactly sure what your question was implying for me, but my question from above was not intended to mean that nurses are incompetent in their practice; it was implying that best practices change, so nurses must stay up to date! Thanks!

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

This reminds me of public schools; in over 20 states instituting what are called Exit Exams. It means that at the end of their senior year, in order to graduate, the students must take an exit exam. An exit exam is (depending on the state) a test about what they have learned over their high school years. Now remember, these student have already done their finals and passed, but if they don't pass this exit exam, they will not be allowed to graduate.

WA state's exit exam includes math, science, social studies, English, reading, writing. Others states only include only math and English. My contention is the students have already paid their dues, so to speak; same thing with an RN license, we've already done it! Why not just have all RNs do the boards every 2 years to make sure everyone's on board...same thing.

BTW; I live in a state that does not have the students perform exit exams.

Unless it's a new skill why not trust the nurse to keep up their own skills? I do this all the time by research and classes but to be forced to do it seems a waste of time. But hey, if they're paying why not :)

[Tenebrae, BSN, RN]

1. Are simulations/skill sessions mandatory in your practice?

We have study days/sessions where there is an opportunity to practice what ever skill is being taught. Havent seen a simulation since nursing school

2. If simulations aren't used in your practice, what interventions does your facility utilize to ensure nurses are remaining competent in their practice?

I think you mean up to date with the most recent developments in a particular field. Anyhow, we use training sessions and study days

3. Has there been published data or results from your facility regarding improved or expected improved patient outcomes relating to skills practice sessions or simulations?

4. Any other feedback or comments are welcome!

Thank you in advance for your interest and input

Simulations were great in nursing school for more comprehensive scenarios eg involving multiple patients in different situations. However cant see how it would work in my work place