Student and faculty perceptions of use of simulators in nursing education

Abstract

Nursing is a practice profession and education which involves the transfer of knowledge from the classroom to the clinical setting. One method used to evaluate psychomotor skills and critical thinking is use of clinical simulated computerized patient models. It is important to determine perceptions of students and facility regarding the transferability of knowledge from simulators to clinical situations (Feingold, Calaluce & Kallen, 2004).The purpose of this study is to determine student and faculty perceptions of patient and scenario realism, students' ability to transfer knowledge from the simulated clinical scenario to real clinical experiences, and the value of the learning experience. Knowles (1990) cognitive learning theory will provide the framework for this study. The tool used for this study will be a questionnaire used by Feingold et al. The sample will be 100 students and 6 faculty who use simulators as a learning tool for a medical surgical class in a baccalaureate nursing program. Permission will be obtained from the participating nursing program and the Institutional Review Board of Ball State University.Findings will provide valuable information for nurse educators and nursing programs. Information obtained will help educators develop effective teaching methods using simulators.