Using Simulation During Orientation to Increase Self-Confidence in Nurses

Using Simulation During Orientation to Increase Self-Confidence in Nurses

Simulation is a teaching method that uses realistic scenarios and equipment to create a learning environment for nurses. Simulation can help nurses develop and improve their clinical skills, decision-making, communication, teamwork, and self-confidence. Simulation can also help nurses familiarize themselves with hospital procedures, policies, and equipment, which can reduce errors and enhance patient safety.

One of the challenges that new nurses face is the transition from the academic setting to the clinical setting. New nurses may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and unprepared for the complex and dynamic situations that they encounter in the hospital. This can affect their self-confidence and performance, as well as their satisfaction and retention. Therefore, it is important to provide effective orientation programs that can support new nurses and facilitate their adaptation to the workplace.

Simulation can be a valuable tool for orientation programs, as it can help new nurses gain confidence and competence in their roles. Simulation can expose new nurses to various scenarios that they may encounter in the hospital, such as emergency situations, difficult patients, ethical dilemmas, or interprofessional conflicts. Simulation can also provide feedback and debriefing sessions that can help new nurses reflect on their actions, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and learn from their experiences.

Several studies have shown that simulation can improve self-confidence in nurses during orientation. For example, a study by Al-Ghareeb et al. (2016) found that simulation-based orientation increased self-confidence and clinical performance in newly graduated nurses working in intensive care units. Another study by Cantrell et al. (2017) found that simulation-based orientation improved self-confidence and satisfaction in new graduate nurses working in medical-surgical units. A third study by Kim et al. (2019) found that simulation-based orientation enhanced self-confidence and readiness for practice in new graduate nurses working in emergency departments.

In conclusion, simulation is an effective teaching method that can help new nurses develop self-confidence and competence in their roles. Simulation can also help new nurses familiarize themselves with hospital procedures, policies, and equipment, which can improve patient safety and quality of care. Simulation-based orientation programs can be beneficial for new nurses, as well as for the organizations that employ them.

Works Cited

Al-Ghareeb, Azza A., et al. “The effect of simulation on the development of critical thinking in newly graduated nurses: A quasi-experimental study.” Nurse Education Today 45 (2016): 125-130.

Cantrell, Mary Ann, et al. “The impact of a nurse externship program on the transition process from graduate nurse to professional nurse.” Nurse Education in Practice 24 (2017): 99-106.

Kim, Hyunsook, et al. “Effects of simulation-based orientation on emergency nursing competency and self-confidence among newly graduated nurses: A randomized controlled trial.” Nurse Education Today 74 (2019): 7-13.