Promoting Leadership Skills Through Simulation

Authors: Joy, R.

Conference: The First Phi Mu Conference

Dates: 24 June 2013

Abstract:

Background As the demands on practice placements become more evident, there is an increasing need to be more creative about how student nurses acquire the clinical skills necessary for practice. The use of simulated environments that allow for the safe rehearsal of skills that can be replicated in practice are becoming a central focus of nurse education. Simulation in its various guises allows for clinical skills to be explored in detail, and can offer opportunities for leadership roles to be developed. As a result the simulation team devised a series of sessions within the curriculum for 3rd year student nurses to immerse themselves in leadership activities. Aim/purpose The aim of this paper is to discuss these sessions and explore their relevance in relation to the role of a newly qualified nurse. Methods In response to drivers from the Nursing and Midwifery Council, our practice partners and students themselves, we developed three sessions with a leadership theme. The subject content included medicine management, critical decision making, and supporting best practice. A questionnaire was given to the students at the end of each session to evaluate its impact on their learning.

Findings The findings of the questionnaires were analysed. The student’s responses were positive to all three sessions and suggested that simulated activities helped them to recognise the skills required to develop their leadership and management roles within professional practice.

Conclusion The use of a simulated environment has provided the opportunity for students to practice and develop an understanding of the attributes required as a basis for their future leadership roles.

Source: Manual