The Use of Simulation in Nursing Student Medication Administration Education

This dissertation is comprised of three manuscripts exploring the use of simulation in nursing student medication administration education. The first manuscript provides the state of the science on the effect of simulation on baccalaureate nursing student medication administration knowledge, self-confidence, and competence. The NLN Jeffries Simulation Theory provided a guide in conducting the review. Further research using simulation as an intervention, measuring competence with validated instruments, and using larger sample sizes at multiple sites is needed to support the effectiveness of this teaching strategy. The second manuscript is a description of integrating an individual simulation experience into a psychomotor skills course in a baccalaureate nursing program. The framework for teaching psychomotor skills and the NLN Jeffries Simulation Theory guided the development and implementation of the educational strategy. Faculty and student feedback was positive. Benefits and challenges are shared in this manuscript. The third manuscript is an outline of the method and results of an experimental two group pretest posttest study to examine the effect of an individual simulation experience on baccalaureate nursing student medication administration competence. Eighty-five nursing students participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either a traditional practice session or an individual simulation experience. Medication administration competence was assessed using the Medication Administration Safety Assessment Tool. The NLN Jeffries Simulation Theory guided the study and the simulation intervention. Results of pretest and posttest observations of medication administration indicated simulation improved nursing student competence. KEYWORDS: simulation; medication administration; individual simulation experience; nursing education; baccalaureat