Comparison of student experience with critical events during simulation and acute care hospital rotations.

An exploratory study was conducted to determine critical events for adult patients and to verify critical events that nursing students experienced in their nursing programs. Sophomores and juniors were surveyed regarding frequency of exposure to critical events. Sophomores reported greater differences between simulation and clinical practice, with most in simulation. Juniors were more balanced in exposure to critical events, in both clinical practice and simulation. This information provides feedback on critical events, clinical experiences, and how to use simulation to lessen the experience gap.