Preparing Nursing Students in a Leadership/Management Course for the Workplace Through Simulations

The education–practice gap in the area of management, leadership, and communication for newly registered nurses contributes to nurse attrition. Faculty are increasingly using simulations that provide experiences for senior nursing students to facilitate transition into practice. This article describes scenarios that incorporate students, faculty, staff, and community volunteers who role-play situations that students may not encounter during clinical education, including staffing problems, staff conflicts, physician interactions, patient–faculty communications, and crisis interventions. Examples are illustrated through short videos. Feedback from students has been overwhelming positive. Faculty believe the simulations provide realistic opportunities that link education to practice. Volunteers enjoy and support these educational experiences.