Simulation to Meet Curricular Needs in Ethics

Nurse educators must respond to several challenges, including a lack of opportunities for on-site clinical education, and large volumes of emerging information. Simulation of clinical experiences is one of the more promising innovative strategies being incorporated into educational programs to expand learning. A challenging situation on the topic of grief and loss for pre-licensure baccalaureate students was introduced using trained Standardized Patients. This case raised ethical concerns for the students related to actions by the nursing staff caring for the patient, and was used to encourage exploration of students' feelings and values related to an ethical concern, pregnancy termination.