Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2646903 | Clinical Simulation in Nursing | 2016 | 6 Pages |
•Nursing students report anxiety before their mental health clinical rotation.•Simulated psychiatric patient scenarios were conducted during clinical orientation.•Students report enhanced confidence with communication skills post simulation.
BackgroundThe article describes a mental health simulation that encourages student nurses to use therapeutic communication while assisting patients with mental illness in a clinical setting.MethodA quasi-experimental, one group, pre–post test design using simulation during a mental health clinical orientation; data were analyzed using dependent t tests.ResultsThere was significant improvement (p = .000) in student's self-reported confidence with their communication skills and knowledge following a mental health simulation experience using standardized patients.ConclusionsAlthough more research is needed, a therapeutic communication mental health simulation given before students participating in their clinical experience should be integrated into undergraduate nursing education.