Effects of Clinical Practice and Simulation-Based Practice for Obstetrical Nursing.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of clinical practice and simulation-based practice for obstetrical nursing in terms of self-efficacy, practice satisfaction, and practice stress. A non-equivalent control group post test design was used. The participants were 171 junior nursing students, 103 in the experimental group, and 68 in the control group. Simulation-based practice consisted of nursing assessment during labor, nursing assessment and intervention for normal and high risk mother, nursing education for mother and family during labor, and open lab. The experimental group participated in simulation-based practice for two days and the control group participated in clinical practice at delivery room for two weeks. The experimental group showed higher level of self-efficacy (p=.043), practice satisfaction (p<.001) and practice stress (p=.003) compared to the control group. Simulation-based practice is an effective learning method for obstetrical nursing and can be used as the alternative for clinical practice. However, stress management strategies are needed for simulation-based practice.