Nursing Simulation

COPD- preventable and treatable disease state characterized by chronic airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases, primarily caused by cigarette smoking.

This simulation experience allowed me to practice my focused assessment skills, delegation of tasks, prioritization on of tasks, interdisciplinary communication skills, and skills that I have not been able to participate in such as blood administration. I learned that my strengths are patient education, delegation, noticing changes in patient condition, and working as a member of a team. I need to improve my speed of completing tasks, my confidence, and my process of working through new skills.

Anything… the word I professed some time ago. I prayed the prayer that I would do anything. The woman who tends to always be in a state of trepidation, prayed that she would do anything for Him. From that one word, many plans surfaced. I had hoped that it was just spontaneous thoughts and that they did not mean anything. Among the list, was the idea of becoming a nurse. It was an outlandish notion. How on earth could I be a nurse? Somehow that random thought has turned into a reality. I am currently striving toward one of my “anythings”. I know that my current situation is definitely not by my own doing and that He has been continually opening doors. It has not been an easy road. Thoughts of doubt, negative

The simulation environment offers a safe place for students to practice critical scenarios and gain confidence in proscribed settings (Decker, Sportsman, Puetz, & Billings, 2008). Simulation helps faculty to facilitate learning which meets one of the NLN’s core competencies. Simulation also enhances communication through emerging leadership and delegation skills, and builds teamwork through goal and priority setting (Dillon, Noble, & Kaplan, 2009). Therefore, according to Lasater (2007) simulation is highly effective as an adjunct teaching strategy in clinical practice.

Simulation can improve outcomes in four areas: laboratory, patient care, patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs.

Nursing simulation, a progressive method of education and utilized by nursing programs, improves patient outcomes by giving students opportunities to practice and learn new nursing skills in non-threatening environments. The use of simulation experiences origins hold root in the military and airline industries. Nevertheless, since that time, many academic interest groups, including medical and nursing education have adopted this educational method. Furthermore, anticipated is the idea that simulation experiences will allow students the opportunities they need to practice skill sets that will lead to the improvement of the patient’s condition. Additionally, an evaluation of the nursing simulation also serves an important role in determining the effectiveness of the activity in meeting the objectives of various nursing curricula. Completing, recording, and studying the outcomes of a methodical evaluation, such as a rubric, are foundational to the enhancement of both the procedure and results (Robinson & Dearmon, 2013). This capstone project specifically concentrates on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a rubric for nursing simulation scenarios conducted by baccalaureate level nursing students at WKU.

The use of simulation allows students to experience hypothetical clinical scenarios without threat of harm to patients. One of the objectives of running the simulation is to allow to experience and learn from various scenarios that they will likely encounter on the nursing floor and provide an opportunity to apply theory into practice. Prior to this simulation, we were introduced to several literature covering concepts on nursing responsibilities when floating, impaired nursing, diversion of medication, reasonable suspicion, and the AACN standards for establishing and sustaining healthy work environments. Such concepts help the nurse to practice her profession safely and transform into a leader that can initiate and influence change towards the success of an organization.

While I didn’t realize it at the time, the process of answering key questions about why the Clinic would build a family history-based clinical decision support platform exposed dimensions that are clearly linked to macroergonomics.

The x-ray department of the County Hospital has various departments, which include: ultrasound, computed tomography, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, and magnetic resonance imaging. The five groups have partially their own processes

Creating and implementing a high fidelity patient simulation lab for about 4,000 nurses working at XXXXXX. This program will provide nurses working at XXXXXX with a supportive and safe learning environment to ensure they are providing safe, effective, knowledgeable care to the patients they care for.

It allows the scenario to be flexible and present different outcomes. It is a safe space for students to experience mistakes without a patient being harmed. “Simulations can introduce students to the process of being able to perceive characteristics and aspects of patient care situations that may alter the manner in which nursing care is provided” (Bambini, Washburn, & Perkins, 2009). These simulations are great additions to theory, as they put an action with a lesson.

My answers were not decisive which reflect my weak critical thinking skill. For example, when it comes to medication administration, in instances where things are not clear, it should always be referred to the doctor which in this case I belatedly remembered. Nurses should also make sure that they knew how to use all the equipment that is used in the nursing care. In a medical emergency situation, every second counts. In the simulation, epinephrine administration was delayed since the nurse did not know how to use the automatic injection. Over-all the simulation had a significant impact to my learning process.

For years nurses have gained experience in the medical field through clinical rounds at hospitals and doctors offices. Learning has always taken place first through textbooks and then through personal experience during required clinical time. These methods have proven effective but include limitations to the amount of exposure a student can gain before entering the workforce. A new way of learning is on the rise with the use of High Fidelity Simulations (HFS) or the Sim Man. HFS is a computerized life size manikin that simulates real human responses to treatment. This new technology allows students to practice rare procedures or treat common diagnoses.

Sometimes failure can really be the best teacher. This was the case with the Lakeview Regional Hospital Simulation Exercise. During the simulation, I learned a lot about working with a team, knowing when to stand firm and when to compromise. I have been a part of plenty of projects, but sometimes I can be a little lost when it comes to the healthcare aspects of things. It was during these times that I looked to my teammates to assist with filling in some valuable blanks about the healthcare environment. I do have a lot of experience with introducing technology, training and media relations. It was during these parts of the simulation that I could really lend a helping hand. The simulation illustrated the importance of buy-in amongst the implementation team as well as other members of the entire organizations. It showed that there will always be some inherent resistance, but that doesn’t mean that change is impossible as long as there is some flexibility.

Hospitals are working towards a more team-based training. The last couple years most of my training has been in a simulation lab. I feel it improves communication, teamwork, reinforces skills and new practices. Hands-on simulation experience allows healthcare workers to get messy, make mistakes and sharpen problem-solving skills — with no risk to patients. As nurses, we collaborate with each other on a daily basis but we are trained and tested individually on our skills, theory, and practical situations. As healthcare evolves, stimulation labs should be part of all healthcare works training and testing, that way everyone is better prepared to handle real time events.