Enhancing student confidence through simulation 

Research indicates that newly registered nurses may be knowledgeable and skilled, but lack confidence in their new role (Roberts & Johnson 2009). In their recent Standards for Pre-registration Nurse Education, the NMC (2010) state that registered nurses should be equipped to lead, delegate, supervise, and challenge their colleagues within practice, and all of this requires confidence. Recognising Acute Illness and Deterioration is a level 9 option module offered to BN nursing student. It uses a blended approach, where underpinning theory is delivered by WebCT, and the students then participate in scenario-based simulated patient assessment using manikins and actor patients. This enables the students to contextualise theoretical and research-based knowledge amassed via WebCT within ‘near life’ simulations. Theory is released in a staged manner and the simulation events reflect the content of the unit of study released in the weeks prior to participation in the simulation. Lecturers also participate in the simulation, with the students playing the part of the doctor or anxious relative, and facilitate reflective practice during a debrief session that follows, where the students are encouraged to identify what they did well and areas for development. Peer review is encouraged throughout the module and is used within the debrief sessions. There are two components to the assessment, a practical assessment, where the students demonstrate their skills and provide a rationale for their actions, and a written examination. Students have access to the practical assessment criteria and have the opportunity to participate in a peer reviewed (and lecturer facilitated), formative assessment in week 12 using the summative assessment criteria.