A Simulated Perioperative Clinical Day for Prelicensure Nursing Students

Background: The inclusion of perioperative clinical learning experiences in prelicensure nursing education reinforces foundational nursing skills. However, perioperative experiences in clinical settings are not consistently available for student learning. Method: An unfolding perioperative simulation day was created as an alternate to traditional clinical learning. Three simulation-based experiences were designed to include nursing care of the patient during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of the perioperative experience. Results: Implementation of a perioperative simulation as an alternative to traditional clinical learning in one prelicensure program had positive effects on students' ability to achieve learning outcomes, to collaborate, and to improve self-confidence. Conclusion: A simulated perioperative clinical day provides an engaging learning experience, reinforcing foundational clinical skills such as patient safety, infection control, patient mobility, teamwork, and communication. [ J Nurs Educ . 2021;60(7):386–390.] .