Integrating Simulation, Nursing Research, and Evidence-Based Nursing Care in Undergraduate Nursing Research

Monday, 31 October 2011

Iris L. Mullins, PhD, RN
School of Nursing, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to discuss ways to integrate case studies, concept mapping, research articles, and nursing theory into an evidenced-based plan of care.

Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to identify a plan for applying nursing theory and research findings in evidenced-based nursing care in clinical settings.

Integrating Simulation, Nursing Research, and Evidence-based Nursing Care

in Undergraduate Nursing Research

Purpose:  The purpose of this assignment was to assist students in developing literature searching skills in order to develop evidence-based interventions.  This presentation provides an overview of how an online simulation program was utilized for an in-class assignment which included concept mapping, nursing theory, and evidence-based interventions supported by current research. 

Methods:  Students in a traditional 4 year BSN program nursing research class were divided into teams of 5-6 students.  Each team selected a nursing theory.  Students were orientated to the online simulated  program , The Neighborhood (Giddens).  All team members reviewed one of The Neighborhood resident’s information and identified patient problems, supporting data, and developed nursing diagnoses.  Literature searches using library data bases and online resources were conducted to locate peer reviewed research journal articles and articles about nursing theories.  From the research articles evidence-based interventions with rationales were selected for the resident.  The final product was a PowerPoint presentation in which each team presented their theorist, metaparadigm components, theoretical perspective for care, and plan of care with evidence-based nursing interventions from current research literature.  Each team member participated in the PowerPoint presentation.

Results:  Students gained experience in using literature searching skills, reading of research articles, and developing evidence-based interventions based on current research evidence.  The assignment required instructor assistance in using In the Neighborhood, concept mapping, and searching for peer reviewed journal articles.  

Conclusion:  This assignment is appropriate for BSN and RN-BSN programs. The assignment can be used to help students develop skills needed for literature searches for the purpose of providing evidence-based care.  Students stated they felt more confident in searching for research articles and their ability to apply specific nursing theories.