Revisiting Human Patient Simulation in Nursing Education
Abstract: This paper is a reflection on the unique use of high fidelity human simulators incorporated into the clinical experience of undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students at a suburban private university in New York. In Spring 2014, the inaccessibility of the nursing unit one day necessitated an alternative to a live-patient experience. In lieu of a clinical cancellation that day, faculty provided a full-day simulation, mirroring hospitalized patients and student assignments otherwise experienced in the clinical area. After having success in using this type of simulated experience, the faculty has made simulation part of the curriculum for all students enrolled in the second semester junior year so as to better prepare them for medication administration. This article discusses the advantages and challenges of using this technology, the instructional procedure and assessment, and shares the students’ and instructor’s reflection on the experience.