Comparing Pediatric Simulation and Traditional Clinical Experience: Student Perceptions, Learning Outcomes, and Lessons for Faculty

BackgroundFew studies in nursing have compared students' simulated clinical experience outcomes to presumed outcomes in the traditional clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to compare simulation and traditional clinical experience regarding educational practices, design issues, and student outcomes of reported learning, satisfaction, and self-confidence.MethodsThree research questions guided this study: (a) Is there a difference in student perceptions of “educational practices” during a simulated and traditional clinical experience? (b) Are there differences in students' perceptions regarding “design” elements of simulation and traditional clinical experience? (c) How do students compare their “confidence and satisfaction” in learning in the simulated and traditional clinical experiences?ResultsExamination of 44 baccalaureate pre-licensure nursing involved in traditional and hybrid clinical experiences demonstrated overall similarities in student perceptions of each learning experience, with significance found with opportunities for collaboration in the simulation environment, and reported higher satisfaction in learning occurring in the traditional clinical setting; implications for nursing education and further research are provided.