Psychological Safety in Pre-licensure Nursing Simulation

Abstract : Background
Simulation-based experiences (SBEs) allow learners to use clinical decision-making and hands-on skills to analyze and respond to realistic clinical situations in a controlled environment. Psychological safety (PS) is essential for increasing a learner's engagement and allows the comfort to speak up and take risks. Measuring PS may help faculty improve their learning environment by supporting learning-oriented behavior.
Purpose
The purpose of this scholarly project was to examine the level of PS experienced by pre-licensure nursing students participating in SBEs.
Design
A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to examine the level of PS experienced by nursing students while participating in SBEs. Park & Kim's (2021b) Psychological Safety in High Fidelity Simulation was used to obtain the mean overall PS score for the sample group of 545 students was 45.4 (SD = 10.7).
Results
Results indicated that senior-level students have the highest mean PS score of 51.6 (SD = 10.4). Certain simulations, such as an Opioid Withdrawal and Eating Disorder Simulation, had lower PS scores of 42.3 (SD = 9.6) and 43.5 (SD = 10.6).
Conclusion
The results of this study support previous studies that demonstrated higher levels of PS in senior-level students. This project highlighted the need to examine grading and faculty training in SBE at this simulation center. Evaluation and feedback on student performance are necessary in SBEs, but it may place psychological pressure on participants. Simulation faculty should support the PS of students by creating a supportive, respectful, confidential, non-threatening, and non-punitive learning environment.