(25) Development of Simulation-Based Pediatric Clinical for Prelicensure Nursing Students

Abstract: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic exacerbated existing challenges with securing pediatric direct care clinical placements for prelicensure nursing students. This created a critical need for rigorous simulation activities to provide an alternative environment for students to achieve clinical objectives and entry-level core competencies. To address these gaps, we developed a 4 clock-hour simulation-based clinical experience for 2nd term prelicensure graduate nursing students enrolled in their first lifespan clinical management course. Activities aligned with Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model, learning objectives, and the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice™. The setting is an accredited simulation center within an urban academic medical center and university. Students completed prework based on didactic course material and earlier simulation activities related to medication administration. Two trained clinical faculty facilitated groups of 12 students including prebriefing and debriefing using Plus-Delta. The experience included infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age high-fidelity manikin activities related to 1) physical assessment, 2) growth and development, 3) situational awareness and safety risks in the acute care setting, and 4) oral, inhaled, intravenous, and intramuscular medication administration. This simulation-based clinical experience provided 153 prelicensure nursing students consistent opportunity to safely demonstrate beginning pediatric skills related to assessment, safety, medication administration, and developmental communication outside of the direct care environment. Anecdotal and formal evaluations from students and faculty were positive. Future development includes incorporating simulated participants to add opportunities for family communication and teaching. We will sustain this simulation-based clinical experience to provide students structured preparation for future direct care clinical.