Simulation Technology in Nursing Education: Student Perceptions

Nursing education programs are faced with the challenge of providing students with the necessary skills to function in a fast paced, high technological environment. To address this challenge, the current trend in nursing education is to integrate the use of high-fidelity simulation technology into the curricula although there has been limited research conducted to support this method of instruction. This qualitative study was conducted in an attempt to explore the influence that high-fidelity simulation is having on students' perceptions related to simulation and real life patient care experiences. The data collected represent the perceptions of one clinical group of students from a small private college located in a Mid-Atlantic state in the United States. A case study approach to data collection included observations, field notes, writing prompts, and individual interviews. These methods were employed during this study in an attempt to explore the perceptions of simulation and real life patient care experiences of baccalaureate degree nursing students. Findings from this study support the notion that simulation improves learning and adds depth and variety to nursing education. Participants shared that simulation is not a substitution for clinical but an addition that adds meaning and more critical thinking to their education. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]