S12B Use of Behavioral Simulations in Nursing for both Virtual and In-Person Modalities

Presenters

Kaynabess Freda, Nursing
Teena Milligan, Nursing

Abstract

Behavioral simulations can simulate real life by presenting players with relevant information, choice options and realistic choice consequences” (Cohen et al., 2018). During the fall of 2020, the NURS 450 course: Best Practices in Nursing and Nursing Education, was held in a synchronous, virtual modality. In order to keep the 23 students engaged, innovative teaching strategies were utilized each week. One particular method was the use of simulations where both instructors acted out three case studies containing a nurse and a patient, and incorporated both therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication techniques. The students then guessed the techniques by writing them on a whiteboard or piece of paper and holding it up at the same time at the conclusion of each case. The instructors then asked the students with the correct responses to explain. This class was an enjoyable experience for all involved and spawned a more thorough and complex simulation activity during the fall of 2021. Now in-person for class once more, the 25 students were placed in groups of five and provided one case study with two therapeutic and two non-therapeutic communication techniques. The students took turns acting out each case, one playing the nurse and one the patient, and the remaining students had to guess which techniques were being utilized. A student facilitator was designated in each group to assist with the discussion. These simulations contributed to the students’ further knowledge of concepts while providing a creative and unique opportunity for learning.

Session Recording