Unfolding case studies in pre-registration nursing education: Lessons learned

Nursing education is undergoing radical change worldwide. There is criticism surrounding the content of education and the delivery. As a result, traditional methods of teaching and learning have been replaced by strategies that place greater emphasis on active learner interaction, critical thinking, and decision-making. Assisting pre-registration nurses to become competent and confident in clinical practice requires immersion in practice with sufficient support and coaching based on real life scenarios. Simulation via an unfolding case study approach is one way to provide interactive learning experiences where students acquire new skills that advance their clinical judgment with the aim of becoming safe, competent practitioners. Lessons learned from implementing an unfolding case study are discussed in this paper. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.