Improving Nurses' Vasopressor Titration Skills and Self-Efficacy via Simulation-Based Learning

Background: Administration of vasopressors in patients with septic shock can be a difficult skill for nurses to learn. Simulation-based learning (SBL) may be a useful tool for improving nurses' self-efficacy and skill performance in this context. Methods: The purpose was to determine if an SBL experience increases nurses' self-efficacy and performance across three time points, using a quasi-experimental preepost test design. Results: We identified statistical trends in 16 RNs for improvement in self-efficacy (general and situational) and performance over time. Conclusions: SBL training demonstrated an effect on self-efficacy and performance. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings. (C) 2014 International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.