Simulations Use?

I'm just wondering how other programs are currently using sims? I am a proponent of evaluating students if this is to be a clinical experience, but others are opposed to this. I see some students not taking it seriously, some students who perform very poorly during this experience with no recourse, and others who shine.

I tend to agree with you about students not taking it seriously. But, in spite of my perception, many of my students claim it is a stressful experience for them. This, allegedly is the reason we do not give it a grade (my school has had some experts in the field come in to work with us, and concur with this belief). I definitely do see the value in it (even though they don't get graded), but I do wish it had some numerical value to it.

The university where I teach has a pass/fail grading system with simulation. The clinical faculty have found if you do not attach a grading rubric to simulation the students do not take it seriously. The clinical faculty state simulation is a powerful and safe teaching strategy to facilitate effective learning in the clinical setting. The faculty and students are able to receive immediate feedback with simulation in a safe clinical setting.

Annie, what happens if a student fails the simulation? Are they done? Do they get a repeat?

Hi ProfRN4,

If the student is not successful, the student must remediate one on one with faculty and will receive another opportunity with simulation.

I love using sims and find our LPN students do take them seriously. They are all quite nervous as we film them and go over their performance after the scenario. To me, simulation is a safe place for students to start to learn the art and science of nursing. I have found they learn from their mistakes and have seen evidence of this in actual clinical situations. I often hear them say:"I'm so glad we did that sim because I always remember my mistakes and feel more confident in clinical". I believe that adding a grade to this merely increases the stress, thus this will decrease the learning that takes place.