title: Using Simulation to Prepare Nursing Staff for the Move to a New Building.
abstract: Hospitals that expand or open new nursing units must provide training to staff providing patient care in the new space. Although expansion represents a significant investment and has substantial implications for patient care, there is little evidence to guide best practice. This article describes an approach to education, training, and orientation used by a large academic medical center in the United States, which included simulation. The results of a program evaluation are discussed, demonstrating the positive impact of this program on staff readiness and patient safety. Nursing professional development practitioners may be able to use similar programs in their own facilities.
authors.affiliation: Sara Knippa, MS, RN, CCRN, PCCN, ACCNS-AG, is Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator in the Cardiac ICU at University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora. Pol-Andre Senecal, MSN, RN, CCNS, ACNP, is Nurse Practitioner in the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program and Instructor in Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine at University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Knippa
authors.forename: Pol-Andre
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Senecal
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D003422:Critical Care; D005260:Female; D006749:Hospital Design and Construction; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D061214:Patient Safety; D015397:Program Evaluation; D000066908:Simulation Training / Q000379:methods*; D013192:Staff Development / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States