In Our Simulation Era: Transitioning From Passive to Immersive Training

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

4-14-2025

Publication Title

West J Nurs Res

Keywords

Nursing

Abstract

Background: Many hospitals traditionally utilize a “Skills Fair” approach to perform annual competency training for nurses and nursing support staff. This often is completed as passive “stations” that staff travel to with minimal interaction required. This style can lead to disengagement and often does not appeal to nurses’ learning styles. Based on feedback from previous learning needs assessments and evidence-based practice findings, incorporating simulation-based training actively engages staff and improves confidence and knowledge. Methods: The clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) and staff development educators outlined low-volume, high-risk clinical scenarios to include the organization’s annual requirements in addition to patient population specific competencies. The intervention included two separate simulations (thirty minutes each including debrief) tailored to required competencies based on progressive or critical care population. Following the simulations, the staff completed interactive, hands-on demonstration with equipment specific to their area. Pre-and post-surveys were completed assessing the nurses’ and TCAs level of confidence, knowledge, and effectiveness of simulation-based training compared to passive learning modalities. Results: Post-surveys (n= 158) demonstrated a 17.6% increase in staff feeling extremely confident caring for their specific patient population compared to pre-survey (n= 165). Results also demonstrated a 20.7% increase in staff feeling very knowledgeable caring for their specific patient population. Conclusions: Based on this quality improvement project, an interactive and simulation-focused format for a yearly Skills Fair increased confidence and knowledge and was preferred to standard passive learning experience. Future education teams can utilize the data from this quality improvement project to outline and create their own simulation and active learning sessions.

Volume

47

Issue

1_SUPPL

First Page

28S

Last Page

29S

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