Creating a Nursing Simulation Laboratory: A Literature Review

Currently in nursing education, active student participation, discussion, observation, and reflection are paramount for successful learning. Simulation is one of the up-and-coming tools that can be used across the nursing curriculum to replicate experiences in nursing practice. This interactive experience immerses students in patient health care scenarios in a safe environment. Simulation experience reinforces the development of skills in assessment, psychomotor activity, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, and collaboration with others. Experiential learning through simulation affects patient care, health, and safety. These interactive experiences engage students through participation, observation, and debriefing. As preparation for establishing a simulation laboratory, a review of the purpose of simulation, learning theories, advantages and challenges, regulatory viewpoints, budgetary needs, and educator training will be discussed.