Poster Topic: Education

Background/Rationale
Educators continuously strive to provide valuable learning opportunities for their students that will develop their clinical practice competencies and foster professional growth. The need for faculty to provide challenging and fun simulated environments that enhances student learning was identified through formal and informal student feedback.

Objective
Create valuable learning experiences in a simulated environment in an effort to:
• Build clinical competence and confidence in nursing students
• Motivate nursing students to learn and perform to their fullest potential

Description of the Innovation
Students were scheduled 12 simulation activities over 2 semesters. Simulation content included a variety of medical/surgical, maternity and paediatric simulation scenarios using high and low fidelity manikins. A sense of realism was created within the scenarios through the use of moulage and props including wigs and glasses on the manikins. An element of fun was incorporated when faculty used a variety of communication techniques and role play. Simulation
activities included the opportunity for students to practice skills realistically as they would in the clinical setting. Students were asked to complete a survey using a 5 point likert scale and provide narrative feedback pertaining to selfconfidence and competence in learning and clinical skill performance. The survey was completed prior to their first simulated activity and upon completion of all simulated activities. Informal feedback was given to faculty during debriefing sessions.ImpactBy the end of the simulation experiences, faculty noted that students were positive about their ability to problem solve while using teamwork and communication skills throughout scenarios. Students appreciated the realism of the labs.
They found them to be fun and enjoyed experiencing a different side of faculty than observed within a classroom. Students had the opportunity to practice skills that they did not perform during clinical placements. Survey results revealed simulation activities motivated students to learn and increased their perceived levels of competence and confidence in preparation for real-life client