Simulation and the student pathway to critical care

Abstract

The aim of this study was to increase student nurses’ confidence prior to embarking on a critical-care placement in a coronary-care unit (CCU). Students often lack knowledge and confidence in relation to critical-care nursing and are often apprehensive about practice placements in these areas. A small-scale pilot study was undertaken with Year-2 student nurses, using high-fidelity simulation scenarios to replicate their forthcoming clinical placements. Simulation is promoted as a way of increasing confidence and competence for nurses; the teaching method provides a safe learning environment. Qualitative research methods were used to obtain descriptive data. The methods of data collection were questionnaires and telephone questionnaires. The students reported feeling more confident about going onto CCU following the scenario. The small number of participants is a limitation and a larger, longitudinal study is needed so that findings can be generalised.