Nursing Simulation Scenarios Hone Skills for Better Care Delivery
Participation in nursing simulations scenarios for ongoing medical cases (for example, prescribing a patient's diabetes management regimen) as well as emergency events (for example, a pediatric head trauma case), and everything in between can help health practitioners develop the necessarily high number of skills required for superior delivery of patient care.
A simulation laboratory is a safe environment. When practicing nurses or nursing learners spend time in simulation, they're able to practice, practice, practice—and learn from their mistakes without running the risk that they'll harm an actual patient. Nursing simulation scenarios also allow learners to take part in clinical treatments they may not otherwise encounter on a regular basis. This boosts problem-solving skills and their ability to formulate quick and accurate treatment suggestions.
Nursing scenarios also provide an opportunity for learners to develop their communication and negotiation skills. On any given day in a real clinical environment, a nurse may encounter physicians, residents, physical therapists, psychologists, and more. Moreover, nurses often provide care as a part of a wider nursing team. Group scenarios are a great place for nurses to get used to teamwork and team treatment delivery.
Nurses can also learn to interact with patients through nursing simulation scenarios. Patient satisfaction is tied to how well a care provider articulates the nature of the medical complaint, as well as the planned course of treatment. And patient satisfaction is an essential component of quality care delivery. Nursing simulation scenarios allow learners to talk to the simulated patient, be it an operator-controlled mannequin or a standardized patient or trained actor, ask questions and listen closely for responses, and augment appropriate communication practices.
And beyond nursing school, nursing simulation scenarios can give practicing nurses a leg-up in their field. New courses of treatment and technologies for care delivery are introduced on a near-constant basis. For nurses to remain at the top oftheir profession, they should be aware of what's new—and what lies ahead. In addition, many hospitals are encouraging registered nurses (RNs) to become MSNs, or earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Highly qualified nurses who have obtained advanced certifications are often are more readily sought after in the job market.
Tomorrow's nurses can expect that as the field grows and healthcare delivery becomes more expansive in scope, simulation scenarios are sure to follow suit, ensuring ample opportunities for skill development to get better outcomes.
About The Author:
The author of the article has an extensive experience in the field of Nursing Simulation Scenarios and Medical Simulation.