Is This the Profession for Me? Pre-Nursing Students Simulated Hospital Day Observations

How does one know if a chosen course of study in college will lead to a satisfying career upon graduation? At the University of Texas at El Paso, pre-nursing students in the Foundations of Nursing course have the opportunity to observe a simulated hospital day activity carried out by upper division nursing students. Pre-nursing students complete one-hour observations of hospital day activities and then answer a questionnaire about what they have observed. Students report that the simulated hospital day observation is an eye-opening experience that provides them with valuable insight as they prepare to apply for UTEP’s nursing program and set career goals.

Simulated hospital day is a clinical simulation activity. Clinical simulation is an active learning method that promotes the development of critical thinking and clinical reasoning through experiential learning in a safe environment. Nursing students involved in clinical simulation activities benefit greatly from the experience. The use of clinical simulated experiences has been established as a best practice that maximizes retention of important concepts and solidifies the translation of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice. During a simulated hospital day, upper division nursing students engage in simulated clinical scenarios that are designed to simulate an actual hospital day. Elaborate case scenarios are acted out through role-play. Some upper division nursing students take on the role of the nurse, while other upper division nursing students take on the role of the patient. Simulated patient records are reviewed, patients are assessed, medications are administered, procedures are done, and communication with other health care professionals is facilitated per various scripts.

This observation activity is often the first exposure many pre-nursing students have to a clinical setting. Students have reported that simulated hospital day has given them an idea of what is expected of upper division nursing students as well as what is expected of nurses in professional practice. Students have stated that this observation has helped them see what nurses really do. They have reported that they found this to be an extremely beneficial activity and have expressed that they think this experience will help them as they make decisions about pursuing a career in nursing.

Students of all disciplines may realize similar benefits with early exposure to the activities of the profession they are pursuing. Students given the opportunity to observe professional practice early in their academic career may be able to make more informed decisions about their future course of study.