Pediatric Simulation in Pre- Licensure Nursing

Abstract

Pediatric nursing is an area that has shown to be associated with higher levels of fear, anxiety and perceived challenge than other clinical settings for the pre-licensure nursing student. A simulation curriculum has been developed to address the complexities that students face in the pediatric clinical setting. This curriculum addresses common pediatric diagnoses both in acute and ambulatory settings and provides students an opportunity to practice essential pediatric communication skills, family centered care, pediatric skills and safety issues commonly encountered in pediatric nursing practice. Core competencies from American Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Pediatric Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) are incorporated into the pediatric simulations for this course. Students perform in various roles during simulations e.g. nurse, parents, family member or child in order to assimilate caring for children with complex needs in the clinical setting. Simulation can ensure that all students learn common core curricula concepts in their pediatric course. Students reported that exposure to various simulations before and during their pediatric clinical experiences contributed to their learning of pediatric skills. They also reported that simulations provided them with an opportunity to practice communication skills with parents and with children of various age and developmental stages and in difficult situations. These opportunities contributed to increased confidence levels and also helped to decrease some associated anxiety during their pediatric rotation.