Integrating Human Patient Simulation into Associate Degree Nursing Curricula : Faculty Experiences, Barriers, and Facilitators

BackgroundThe use of human patient simulation (HPS) is increasing in nursing education, and nursing programs across the country are investing resources in HPS. Therefore, in order to optimize the use of this technology, it is important to share experiences, successes, and challenges of integrating HPS into nursing curricula.MethodThis study utilized online surveys to explore the current HPS resources purchased by select associate degree nursing programs in a Western state as well as the use of these resources by nursing faculty. Further, it examined faculty perceptions of barriers and facilitators for integrating HPS into nursing curricula.ResultsThe survey responses indicated that nursing programs spend a disproportionately large amount of money on the initial investment in simulation equipment compared with the ongoing spending on maintenance and support for simulation. Nursing faculty identified barriers to integrating simulation into the courses they teach including lack of time, lack of support and lack of appropriate equipment. They identified facilitators to integrating simulation into the courses they teach including helpful and thorough training, individual initiative, and support from colleagues and administrators. Finally, the faculty recommended incentives for improving the integration of simulation into the nursing curriculum, including the provision of additional paid time for simulation, additional training, and additional support resources.ConclusionsThis descriptive study offers discussion and recommendations for improving the integration of simulation into nursing curricula.