Improving Safe Medication Administration in New RNs Using Simulation.

Abstract

This study describes the use of simulation to increase medication administration knowledge and skill in new RNs enrolled in a residency program. The study sample consisted of 54 new RNs with less than 1 year of nursing experience who were enrolled in a nurse residency program, and it compared medication administration knowledge posttest scores between groups. The medication administration posttest scores for the simulation group were not significantly higher than the scores of the classroom-only group (p = .056), but the simulation group scored significantly higher on questions regarding timing and the rights of medication administration. Participants were also asked their perceptions of medication errors and why they think they occur. Simulation supported improved medication administration knowledge of some concepts; simulation participants were more satisfied with their learning experience; and the use of simulation helped to identify a consistent knowledge gap within the study sample. New RNs also desire earlier medication administration education in their career. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(1):30-33.].