If You Mix Them, They Will Learn: Using Simulation to Foster Multilevel Peer-to-Peer Engagement Through an Innovative Clinical Make-Up Program.

Abstract

Clinical experiences are an essential component of nursing education. However, at times, students are unable to attend scheduled clinical experiences because of illness or personal issues. We describe how a baccalaureate program of nursing used an innovative approach to manage clinical absence. Simulation educators placed students from every level of the program in teams during clinical make-up simulation scenarios. Students participating in the multilevel simulations identified leadership, mentorship, reinforcement of nursing concepts, clinical skill improvement, and the opportunity to support one another as benefits of the program.