Value Added Abstracts
Margot Rykhoff RN
Abstract
Traditional high fidelity patient simulation (HFPS) is a teaching and learning strategy that offers an effective learning environment for nursing students to develop their decision making and critical thinking skills. Simulation experiences have been used in nursing curricula as an alternative to clinical placement and to assist students in the preparation for care of the challenges of high acuity patients. Baccalaureate degree in nursing programs are designed to prepare a generalist nurse for entry to practice to practise safely, competently and ethically along the continuum of care in situations of health and illness throughout a client’s lifespan. However, although nursing programs have increased enrollment to meet the projected nursing shortage; specialty clinical sites for pediatric placements have been challenging to secure clinical sites for opportunities for students to achieve clinical objectives and skills needed to provide care in the partnership of family centred care of the pediatric client. The use of simulation as a strategy to fill the gap in pediatric learning opportunities and to complement pediatric clinical experiences are essential in nursing programs to meet the students’ learning needs