Results and Benefits of The Simulated Hosptial Day

Topic:  The Simulated Hospital Day activity is a four-hour, real-time simulated clinical experience in which nursing students and interprofessional students work together to take care of live-patients.  This simulation activity provides an opportunity for faculty to observe their student’s performance in a safe environment.  In addition, all participants learn to work in a collaborative effort in regards to patient care.     

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of the Simulated Hospital Day (SHD) on pre-licensure nursing student’s knowledge and competency regarding specific nursing interventions performed throughout the SHD. 

Methods Used:    

In order to obtain this data, two forms of feedback will be used throughout the simulation activity.  The first will be a self-assessment survey completed by the student nurse regarding their level of competency performing selected nursing interventions both prior and after the SHD activity.  The second form of feedback will be an analysis of knowledge regarding core nursing actions performed on the patient throughout the SHD> 

Findings:

The study design is a comparative descriptive design that will compare participant’s pre to post test scores on core knowledge and perceived skill competency.  Results showed an significant increase in both core knowledge and perceived skill competency after completing SHD activity.    

Conclusions:

Simulated Hospital Day (SHD) is a simulation activity that can have a major impact on undergraduate nursing education as a creative teaching/learning strategy.  Benefits include (1) providing an alternative hospital experience and (2) the ability to be tailored to specific events/exposure environments.  Outside of academia, the SHD can be used by hospital education departments to (1) evaluate new nurse graduates, (2) to promote continuing education for experienced nurses, and (3) to teach new protocols/guidelines.