Using Simulation to Evaluate Clinical Performance and Reasoning in Adult-Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Students

Background: The use of simulation-based learning experiences (SBLE) with nurse practitioner (NP) students is largely unexplored. The purpose of this pilot project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a simulated patient (SP)-SBLE to improve confidence and evaluate clinical performance and reasoning in Adult-Geriatric Acute Care NP (AG-ACNP) students. Method: A mixed-methods design was used to evaluate an SP-SBLE on AG-ACNP student clinical performance and reasoning. Results: Self-confidence scores and themes from reflections indicated that students perceived this as a valuable experience that enhanced learning and confidence. Conclusion: Results supported the use of SP-SBLEs to improve confidence in clinical performance and reasoning with AG-ACNP students.