Novice nurse training：simulation-based learning for “anticipating sudden changes and nursing”

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct practical group training on “anticipating sudden changes and nursing” to enable independent learning in novice nurses. Hospital A faces the challenge involved in shifting from conventional lecture-based learning and practicum work to the learning of actual nursing practices.
Therefore, to allow novice nurses to apply their previous learning and experience, we changed the order of tasks in orientation training to the following：practicum, lecture, practicum. In group practicums, the participants were asked to assume that the condition of the patients discussed in the “Physical Assessment I” class that they previously attended had underwent changes in condition. They subsequently selected five required observation items among those listed on a previously prepared observation card and presented the results of those observations. The participants then considered these data, assessed the patient's disease course and determined further required actions. The top three priority items were selected from an “action card.” Thereafter, lectures that provided hints regarding the solutions to these problems were conducted, and the same practicum tasks were again presented to the participants to provide them an opportunity to improve their thought processes.
As a result, comparing the cards selected before and after the lecture, the number of groups that selected items necessary for primary evaluation such as breathing and circulation increased after the lecture, and the group difference decreased. The participants indicated that cards allowed them to easily discuss and review the cases and to carefully think about the reasons used to identify the high-priority items.
Training in non-technical skills is useful in determining priorities as a group via a process of explaining ideas in an understandable manner. Simple-to-use cards were utilized in this study. Thus, the results can be generalized to other departments or facilities of any size.