Student Perceptions of Simulation's Influence on Home Health and Hospice Practicum Learning

BackgroundThe purpose of this qualitative study was to begin to explore whether an end-of-life simulation enhances baccalaureate senior-level nursing student learning in a home health and hospice practicum setting.MethodA phenomenological approach was used to study simulation's influence on practicum learning. 30 senior-level baccalaureate nursing student participants experienced an end-of-life simulation lab scenario and were asked to describe their experience and relate it to preparation for their home health and hospice practicum, once immediately following the scenario and once at the end of their practicum experience approximately 3 to 4 weeks later. The Colaizzi approach was used and was assisted by the use of a qualitative analysis software tool, Ethnograph©.ResultsThree main themes emerged, experiential learning, affirmative outcomes, and family as client.ConclusionPerceptions of the influence of simulation learning on senior-level nursing students' experience with a home care and hospice practicum promote its value and continued use.