Development of Simulation Education for Training the Clinical Judgment Skills of Nurses : A Focus on Education for New Nurses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop simulation education for nurses to help them build their clinical judgment skills. Training programs for newly qualified nurses were designed employing the GOLD method, and reviewed for any improvements after implementation. The results of the GOLD method-based programs confirmed that the Level 1, Level 2, and part of Level 3 of Kirkpatrick’s four levels of training evaluation model were achieved. The following were identified as the areas for improvement. ①Setting of the case patient based on the nurse’s experience (e.g., difficult cases). ②Presentation of perspectives to judge changes in the medical condition, age-related risks, and medical history of the case patient. ③Confirmation of knowledge to recognize the signs of predicted changes. ④Separate training days scheduled for the GOLD method Level 1 and Level 2 or higher. To ensure continuous support to new nurses after the training, it was suggested that support for clinical staff involved in the training of new nurses is also critical when universities and clinics cooperate in the new nurse education.