Validating the use of high-fidelity simulation as a clinical adjunct in undergraduate nursing education

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Samantha Pehl

Tarleton State University, USA

: J Nurs Patient Care

Abstract

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According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) (2012) the entry level enrollment for Baccalaureate nursing programs has risen 82.7% since 2002. The increased enrollment has translated into a need for clinical sites and experiences required to develop skilled, knowledgeable nurses. Nursing schools are looking at advances in technology to help maintain a high standard of education and provide needed clinical opportunities. Current research suggests that the use of high-fidelity simulation is an effective method of preparing nursing students to care for patients. Students can develop teaching, technical and critical thinking skills during the high-fidelity simulations that can be readily transferred to living patients in a standard care situation. This capstone project investigated the premise that simulation experiences are comparable in effectiveness to hospital clinical by comparing pretest/posttest scores and semester exams scores after a four week clinical rotation. Statistical results showed no difference in scores between the test and control groups, thus supporting the literature review and the null hypothesis.

Biography

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Samantha Pehl has been working as a Nurse since 30 years. She began her practice as an ADN Graduate of Cochise College in Douglas Arizona. She has Bachelors in Liberal Studies Biology, Master in Midwifery, a Postgraduate degree in Family Practice Nursing and finally a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University in 2012. She is an Assistant Professor at Tarleton State University for 16 years, a part-time Nurse Scientist with Texas Health Resources Stephenville for 2 years and a PRN Family Nurse Practitioner with Stephenville Medical-Surgical Clinic for 9 years.