Incorporating Innovative Simulation Activities Into Campus Lab to Enhance Skill Competence and Critical Thinking of Second-Semester Associate Degree Nursing Students

Decreasing access to clinical sites, inconsistency in student learning experiences, and lack of faculty have compelled nursing schools to incorporate more simulation into their curricula. Professional organizations, regulating bodies, and schools of nursing support its use. The Nursing 2 Challenge simulation activity was designed to give second-semester nursing students an opportunity to improve skill competence and critical thinking utilizing a systematic, preplanned station rotation format in the safe setting of the nursing campus lab. Each station required the students to apply clinical decision-making and nursing skills to complete interventions aligned with course objectives.