Nursing Faculty Perceptions of Obstacles to Utilizing Manikin-based Simulations and Proposed Solutions

BackgroundDespite its growing popularity, many educators are reluctant or unable to incorporate manikin-based simulation into their teaching. The purpose of this study is to identify obstacles that 25 nursing faculty members from baccalaureate and associate degree nursing programs perceive to using simulation in their courses.MethodFaculty completed an online survey pertaining to obstacles to using simulation in teaching.ResultsA content analysis of the responses reveals seven categories of challenges: time, training, not applicable/attitude, lack of space and equipment/scheduling the lab, funding, staffing, and engaging all students while a few are involved in simulations.ConclusionsFindings suggest the need to increase educator awareness of how manikin-based simulation can be used in numerous courses and programs, including those not traditionally associated with this teaching strategy. Further suggestions for managing these challenges are described.