Clinical Ability, Learning-Attitudes, and Self-Confidence among Nursing Students in Their First High-Fidelity Simulation Training

Abstract

Objectives: This is a descriptive study to investigate the clinical ability, learning attitudes, and self-confidence in nursing students after simulation training. Methods:The participants of this study were 54 third-year nursing students in a city in Korea who had never received simulation-based education. Simulation training was conducted during the 'adult nursing practice' curriculum in the third year at the beginning of clinical practice, during the 10 hours of 'surgical system nursing'. The topic of the simulation scenario was 'nursing care for patients after abdominal operations'. Data were analyzed with SPSS 22.0, using mean, standard deviation, and percentage. Results:The results of the simulation training showed that all the groups were able to perform the 'hand washing' items for the clinical ability. In addition, the average score of learning-attitude after simulation training was 4.0 points (out of 5 points). Among the average scores, 'recognition of my weaknesses and strengths' averaged 4.4 points, 'active discussions and opinions shared through debriefing' averaged 4.3 points, and the lowest scoring item, 'decreased anxiety in clinical practice', averaged 3.4 points. The confidence score after the simulation training was 6.5 (out of 10). Conclusions:If simulation training were carried out continuously rather than once, it could help nursing students have confidence in learning attitudes and patient care. In order for nursing students to have practical experience with clinical situations, simulation training needs to be continuous.