Authors

  1. Campbell, Candy DNP, RN, CNL, CEP, FNAP
  2. Yznaga, Elizabeth DNP, RN, CNL, CNM-BC
  3. Hurley, John DNP, RN, CNL, PNP-BC

Article Content

Simulation may cause anxiety among nursing students that impedes the learning process. These are strategies we use to create an atmosphere of safety, so students can learn in simulation. Prebriefing is an extended conversation about the assigned case, including medications. Students are reminded that their simulation is practice, not evaluation, and the importance of suspending disbelief as they assume the RN role. Students may also take turns as the patient and/or a family member. During the scenes, the faculty member stands in the room out of the action. Students have permission to pause and reflect, whenever they have a question or feel unsure. Faculty may also pause the action for point of information or consideration. Our in-simulation discussions encourage and coach students regarding the situation at hand. This may include positive comments for appropriate choices; suggestions on clinical reasoning and risk assessment; considerations, including patient body language and affect, word, or intervention decisions; and when to ask for help. Then, we rewind and continue the scene, so students finish with success. Afterward, postsimulation debriefings are shorter. Like artists or athletes who continually practice to reach competency, when we take the time to coach students on various ways of determining the best clinical decisions, including how best to communicate with patients and other professionals, nonlicensed learners enjoy the simulation experience.