Faculty and students' perceptions of the use of clinical simulation in nursing education

The use of high-fidelity simulators may increase nursing students' experiences and improve clinical skills (Feingold, Callaluce, & Kallen, 2004). The purpose of this study is to determine if clinical simulations involving clinical decision-making, communication, and psychomotor skills will provide a learning experience that is transferable to practice and of value. The theoretical framework is Knowles (1990) Learning Theory. A convenience sample of 80 associate degree nursing students in the second year of study will be invited to participate. The students will be enrolled in a medical surgical course at a community college in the Midwest. The Simulated Delivery Room Training Program Evaluation (Halamek et al., 2000) will be used to collect data. Findings will provide information about use of clinical simulations using computerized patient models and have value to both learners and educators.