Effectiveness of pediatric nursing simulation practices: The students’ views and recommendations to improve

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was determination of the opinions of the nursing students about the effects of the simulation-based laboratory practices, students’ recommendations for the laboratory practices, and the effect of simulation training on their stress levels. Method: This quantitative-descriptive study was conducted with 54 students who were in the pediatric nursing course. Simulation-based laboratory practices were conducted with five scenarios. Students participated in simulation practices weekly, then given posttests at the end of courses. Data were collected using the descriptive characteristics data form, opinion data form on laboratory practices, and the Clinical Stress Questionnaire (CSQ). All forms except the descriptive characteristics data form and the CSQ were given to the students before and after the practice part of the pediatric nursing course Results: The knowledge level of students increased from 4.22±0.92 to 4.53±0.84 (W= -2.236, p: 0.025) out of five and feeling of competence level increased from 3.85±0.87 to 4.24±0.79 (W= -2.335, p: 0.020). Most expectations of students about pediatric simulation practices were, “the time of the simulation practices should be longer and numbers of practices should be more”. In addition, students stated that laboratory practices with simulation sessions encouraged their critical thinking and enhanced their motor skills. The CSQ mean score was determined to be 33.2 ± 10.5 at the end of the practices means low stress. Conclusion: According to this study, students’ clinical stress level was found low. Knowledge and competency level were increased after the stimulation laboratory practices.