Multi-Modal Simulation to Prepare Final Year Nursing Students for Transition to Clinical Practice: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Background

With the wide spectrum of simulation modalities, combining different modalities may support the development of complex clinical skills that can prepare nursing students for making the transition to graduate nurse practice.

Aim

To describe the design and evaluation of a multi-modal simulation to facilitate final-year nursing students’ transition to clinical practice.

Methods

A mixed methods study design was employed to evaluate the multi-modal simulation. Pre and post-tests were conducted to evaluate final-year nursing students’ readiness for clinical practice. Individual interviews were conducted to evaluate long-term impact on clinical practice.

Result

The students reported significant improvement (p < .001) in their readiness for their clinical practice. Three themes emerged for the impact on their clinical practice: self-efficacy in clinical procedures; metacognitive awareness for transfer of learning; and beyond communication to building relationships.

Conclusion

The multi-modal simulation has an immediate effect on improving nursing students’ readiness for clinical practice. It also has a significant clinical impact on enhancing their self-efficacy in performing clinical procedures and metacognitive awareness as they migrate into the real clinical world.