A Phenomenological Inquiry of the Perceptions of Simulation among ADN Students with Prior Health Care Experience

Simulation for nursing students has gained national attention, but literature does not exist to support planning for activities that take into account prior experience as a health care provider. This phenomenological study explored perceptions of students with prior health care experience about simulation learning within their Associate degree of Nursing (ADN) program. A purposive sample of 19 ADN students who were licensed practical nurses or paramedics was recruited. Qualitative analysis of tape-recorded interviews revealed 7 primary themes about simulation and its importance to these students. Results of the study demonstrated that prior health care experience should be accounted for when planning simulation activities. Nursing students would prefer challenging simulation scenarios building on prior knowledge and skills. In addition, licensed practical nurse (LPN) and paramedic students need assistance with identifying and enacting the role of registered nurse within simulation scenarios.