The Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of an End-of-Life Simulation Experience for Baccalaureate Nursing Students

AIM: This article presents an example of a high-fidelity end-of-life simulation developed for an elective course in a baccalaureate nursing program. BACKGROUND: Nursing education programs often lack opportunities for palliative care experiences in undergraduate education. Simulation offers an alternative learning strategy for nursing students to apply principles of palliative care and communication in a safe, interactive learning environment. METHOD: An end-of-life simulation for senior nursing students was developed, implemented, and evaluated. Following participation in the simulation, students evaluated educational practices and their satisfaction and confidence in learning. They also completed reflection papers on their learning. RESULTS: Student means for items on educational practices and satisfaction and confidence in learning were all between agree and strongly agree on a 5-point scale of agreement (n = 21). CONCLUSlON: The end-of-life simulation experience created an opportunity for nursing students to gain confidence in their ability to provide palliative nursing care.