The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Vol. 40 No. 1 January 2009
By Beth M. Nagle, MSN, RN; Jeanne M. McHale, MSN, RN; Gail A. Alexander, BSN, RN, CCRN; Brian M. French, MS, RN-BC
ABSTRACT
Nurse educators are challenged to provide meaningful and effective learning opportunities for both new and experienced nurses. Simulation as a teaching and learning methodology is being embraced by nursing in academic and practice settings to provide innovative educational experiences to assess and develop clinical competency, promote teamwork, and improve care processes. This article provides an overview of the historical basis for using simulation in education, simulation methodologies, and perceived advantages and disadvantages. It also provides a description of the integration of scenario-based programs using a full-scale patient simulator into nursing education programming at a large academic medical center.
J Contin Educ Nurs 2009;40(1):18-25.
AUTHORS
Ms. Nagle and Ms. McHale are Clinical Nurse Specialists, Ms. Alexander is clinical educator and staff nurse, Surgical ICU, and Mr. French is Knight Simulation Program Manager, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
The authors wish to acknowledge Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, FAAN, Senior Vice President for Patient Care and Chief Nurse, and Mr. Norman Knight for their initial and continued support of simulation programming and initiatives at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Address correspondence to Beth M. Nagle, MSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Specialist, The Institute for Patient Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, 275 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114.
