Enhance learning by utilizing simulation activities

2^nd International Conference on Nursing & Healthcare

November 17-19, 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago-North Shore Conference Center, USA

Lisa McDavid

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Simulation activities performed in nursing programs can provide many learning opportunities for nursing students. Simulation gives the students a hands-on approach to perform skills learned throughout their nursing education. Real life simulated activities, allow students to put their knowledge into practice, while recognizing areas of weakness that need improvement. During the activities, students perform learned skills, medication administration, and professional communication. The environment to perform these activities is a safe learning environment to allow students to make and recognize mistakes prior to entering the career field. Faculty encourages students and assists in improving areas of weakness demonstrated by the students. The simulation activities begin with a pre-assignment to prepare for the lab, a hands-on approach to perform skills learned, followed by a debriefing session. The debriefing session consists of the student discussing a verbal self-evaluation regarding their performance, followed by a discussion with faculty. During the discussion, areas of weakness are identified and ways to improve are discussed. Students needing to improve are scheduled one-on-one time with lab personnel to improve on identified weakness area. By implementing simulation activities in the nursing program, students are more prepared to enter the workforce. In addition to hands-on, simulation labs are also utilized to enhance learning from the didactic setting. Simulation labs are scheduled according to the lecture schedule in order to enhance an understanding of the content delivered. By scheduling according to content, students can begin to connect theory and practice by learning in the classroom and demonstrating in the lab.

Biography :

Lisa McDavid received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Ashland Community College in 1999. She worked at a local hospital for nine years gaining Medical Surgical and Surgery/OR experience. She then completed her MSN, RN with a focus in nursing education from Bellarmine University in 2007. Currently she is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Morehead State University. She has been in this position for five years. She is a member of the Kentucky League for Nursing and serves on the Board of Directors. She has presented at conferences on a state and national level.