title: Effectiveness of simulation-based orientation of baccalaureate nursing students preparing for their first clinical experience.
abstract: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 2-day, simulation-based orientation for baccalaureate nursing students preparing to begin their first clinical experience. Students were recruited for participation in the study from a clinical foundation course. Actors (standardized patients) provided students with the chance to engage with simulated real patients in realistic clinical situations prior to entering the clinical setting. Students' perceived stress, knowledge acquisition, anxiety, self-confidence, and satisfaction with the orientation process were assessed. Findings indicated a statistically significant increase in knowledge of and confidence in skills needed when first entering the clinical setting and a decrease in anxiety following the orientation activity. Students had a positive attitude about interaction with real patients, faculty, and other students during the experience. Improved self-confidence and satisfaction were reported as a result of participation in simulation-based orientation.
authors.affiliation: Adult Health Department, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA. vdearmon@usouthal.edu
authors.forename: Valorie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dearmon
authors.forename: Rebecca J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Graves
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hayden
authors.forename: Madhuri S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Mulekar
authors.forename: Sherry M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Lawrence
authors.forename: Loretta
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Kandy K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Joseph E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Farmer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D016544:Patient Simulation; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult