Using low-fidelity simulation with sophomore nursing students in a baccalaureate nursing program.

Opportunities to achieve competency in the psychomotor and cognitive outcomes required of the nursing profession are limited due to shortages of clinical sites and situations. One solution is to use simulation to replicate some of the essential aspects of a clinical situation so it may be readily understood and managed when it occurs in reality. A program developed for sophomore students integrated the pharmacology, health assessment, and pathophysiology theory courses using low-fidelity simulation and computer-assisted instruction. The objectives of the program were based on Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competencies. The simulation strategies were evaluated using the Educational Practice Scale for Simulation, the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning questionnaire, and the Simulation Design Scale. The initial findings are encouraging for promoting active and diverse methods of learning, high and positive expectations for students, self-confidence, and collaborative team-building opportunities.