Abstract
Background: With the increasing shortage of clinical placement sites, nurse educators must be creative in providing alternative learning modalities that prepare students for nursing practice. Mask-Ed(TM) simulation may help address this challenge.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe junior-year undergraduate nursing students' experiences with Mask-Ed(TM) simulation in the context of caring for older adults.
Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, focus groups were conducted with 18 students who experienced Mask-Ed(TM) during 1 semester.
Results: Six themes emerged: (1) seeing the older adult as a person, not just a patient; (2) seeing the older adult in a new light; (3) authenticity of the experience and realistic scenarios; (4) ability to give myself to it; (5) safe space to practice; and (6) dress rehearsal for the RN role.
Conclusions: Mask-Ed(TM) changed participants' perceptions of older adults and their consideration of pursuing a nursing career with this patient population. Participants also expressed Mask-Ed(TM) was a safe and authentic simulation to help prepare for nursing practice.