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Objectives Introduction Simulation facilitates the development of technical and non-technical skills through experiential learning. In-situ simulation enhances this, as participants engage in the simulation activity within their usual working environment, equipment, team dynamics and processes they already know.1 Within paediatric ward in a district general hospital has a well-established in-situ simulation programme for the multi-disciplinary team. However, it is recognised that student nurses are hesitant to join, and the clinical scenarios are catered more towards the medical team and senior nurses. To address these issues, a simulation programme has been developed aimed at student nurses with their learning needs central to the project. Objectives The intentions of the programme are to encourage teamwork and improve confidence amongst the student nurses working on a general paediatric ward, Additional aims include to improve self-efficacy and autonomy amongst students by providing them the opportunity to demonstrate technical skills such as blood glucose sampling and urine testing. Methods A ten-week rolling curriculum has been created for paediatric student nurses; with all scenarios mapped to The Nursing and Midwifery Council – The Test of Competency (2021), Children's Nursing Blueprint.2 Scenarios have been developed to improve environmental and systems awareness, demonstrate clinical and non-technical skills and provide the opportunity for student nurses to work directly with the wider multidisciplinary team on a paediatric ward. A debrief will be conducted following the scenarios using the Diamond debrief model. Feedback from the participants will be sought via an anonymous electronic questionnaire. Results Since Spring 2023, all ten scenarios have been conducted with a range of students attending dependant on shift pattern. We have had 47 participants with first to third year student nurses involved. Overall, we saw confidence improve following the sessions; with 87% of respondents having either high or very high confidence managing the scenario post the scenario. Weighted average pre-simulation session was 3.04. This increased post session to 4.25. Thematic analysis of the data identified key subjects including teamwork, escalating concerns, handover, communication skills and the importance of documentation. Conclusion This in-situ simulation programme has demonstrated that nursing students' confidence and self-efficacy improves from regular simulation scenarios targeting their learning requirements. This programme suggests that experiential learning is beneficial, especially towards aiding nursing student autonomy working. References Martin A, Cross S, Attoe C. Advances in medical education and practice, 2020. Available at: The Use of in situ Simulation in Healthcare Education: Current Perspectives – PMC (nih.gov) Nursing and Midwifery Council Test of Competence 2021 – children's nursing blueprint (nmc.org.uk).
Boulton et al. (Tue,) studied this question.