The use of simulation with advanced practice nursing students

Purpose: To review use of simulation in the education of advanced practice nurses and to describe an innovative simulation program for family nurse practitioner (NP) students. Data sources: The literature was reviewed using MEDLINE and CINAHL searches for descriptions of simulation programs for advanced practice nursing (APN) students. A description of a simulation program in a family NP program was provided. Conclusions: The literature on the use of simulation in primary care APN programs is scant, but simulation seems to represent an active learning strategy that would be of benefit to primary care APN students in increasing knowledge and confidence about the management of clinical situations. Students can also work with faculty to create simulation experiences based on the knowledge of their own learning needs and expertise in specialty areas of nursing. Implications for practice: More information about the use of simulation programs for APN students is needed along with more information about educational outcomes.