Evaluation of Nurse-Specific and Multidisciplinary Simulation for Nurse Residency Programs

• Two types of simulation used in nurse residency program described.
• Results are drawn from data collected up to 18 months after simulation.
• Outcomes measured included knowledge, satisfaction, and confidence.
• Mean scores rose over time for knowledge and confidence of new registered nurses.
• Nurses were more satisfied with multidisciplinary crisis simulations.

BackgroundNewly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) may lack knowledge and confidence in dealing with patient events and interacting with other disciplines. Nurse residency programs can integrate simulation training into orientation to address these deficiencies.MethodA prospective cohort study design evaluated NLRN knowledge, confidence, and satisfaction after participating in simulation with peers and crisis simulation with a multidisciplinary group.ResultsThere were steady increases for knowledge and confidence in both peer and multidisciplinary sessions. Satisfaction scores were highest for multidisciplinary sessions.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates simulation, particularly with crisis events and multidisciplinary teams, may impact outcomes up to 18 months for the NLRN.