Date of Award

Summer 2021

Document Type

Final DNP Paper

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Faculty Chair

Dr. Tammy Morrow

Preceptor

Dr. Lisa Shiver

Abstract

Background: Simulation has been a part of nursing education since its inception, with virtual clinical simulation gaining expanded use since the Coronavirus Pandemic. Once considered only a supplemental teaching method, this form of education has become an imperative means of program progression for nursing students when hospital clinical spaces are limited.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate potential differences in nursing student perceptions of anxiety and self-confidence with clinical decision making in virtual clinical simulation compared to traditional face-to-face clinicals.

Design Methods: A descriptive, quantitative study using the NASC-CDM© tool completed by 5th (final) semester nursing students was analyzed using a series of paired t-tests. The 27-item post-test survey was completed after both virtual clinical simulation sessions and traditional face-to-face clinical sessions using a numerical scale for students to rate their perceptions of anxiety and self-confidence with clinical decision making.

Conclusion: Fourteen items were identified as statistically significant for reported increased self-confidence with clinical decision making in traditional face-to-face clinicals compared to virtual clinical simulation. Two items were identified as statistically significant for increased anxiety with clinical decision making in virtual clinical simulation compared to traditional face-to-face clinicals.

Implications for Nursing: This study may enlighten the schools of nursing, accrediting bodies, and state boards of nursing with the usefulness of virtual clinical simulation in future nursing curriculum.

Included in

Nursing Commons

COinS
 
 

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