Using Simulation to Develop Clinical Reasoning Skills for Registered Practical Nurses New to Acute Care

Abstract

BackgroundTo address the nursing workforce shortage, registered practical nurses (RPNs) were introduced to acute care areas at The Ottawa Hospital. MethodsThe Kirkpatrick levels were used to evaluate the RPN simulation-based education session. A paired T-test was used to assess statistical significance of patient safety data. ResultsGreater than 81% of RPNs found the simulations to be extremely effective at preparing them for their new role. Patient safety data showed a statistically significant decrease in rapid-response team calls (p = .0431) and a decrease in patient falls that was not quite statistically significant (p = .0506). ConclusionThrough the simulation sessions, the RPNs mastered the fundamentals of being able to assess, construct, implement, and evaluate a plan of patient care, setting the framework for clinical reasoning.