Improving clinical practice through simulation: A case study of students of the department of nursing Science, university of Calabar

Abstract

Acquisition of knowledge and skills by nursing students before real-life practice is a familiar nursing education challenge. The use of clinical simulation in nursing education provides many opportunities for students to learn and apply theoretical principles of nursing care in a safe environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nursing students’ perceptions of clinical simulation as a teaching/learning method to increase self-efficacy during clinical practice in a nursing undergraduate program. A survey design was used for the study. A sample of 45 students completed the survey, indicating their confidence in various skills necessary for patient examination, both before and after the simulation experience. Results indicated that students experienced a significant increase in overall selfefficacy (p < .01), confidence in assessing vital signs (p < .01), clinical judgment (p < .01), communication ability (p <.001), and in providing patient education (p < .001). It was concluded  hat clinical simulation is a safe and effective method for nursing students to experience and practice patient examination using clinical scenarios to overcome challenging circumstances.

Keywords: Clinical Practice, Perception, Simulation, Nursing students