Simulation in Assisting Nurses to Better Recognize Early Signs of Clinical Deterioration of Patients

The need to enhance the knowledge and skills of nurses caring for patients who exhibit signs of clinical deterioration has been validated in the literature. The literature has further supported the registered nurse as the key individual expected to recognize signs of clinical deterioration in the patient. The use of simulation as an effective teaching strategy has been well documented in the literature. The purpose of the project was to use simulation as an educational intervention to increase nurse knowledge, self-confidence, and competency when caring for patients exhibiting signs of clinical deterioration. The findings of this project are supported by the literature. A significant improvement in nurse knowledge and self-confidence was demonstrated after a simulation based educational intervention. Competency evaluation during the simulation based intervention provided information to help nurses when caring for deteriorating patients