{"title":"Zombie apocalypse simulation: elevating mental health nursing education","authors":"Sasha Bryan, Emily E.L. Brooks","doi":"10.1016/j.teln.2024.12.009","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The dilution of mental health nursing (MHN) skills is a growing concern in nursing education. Simulation-based learning (SBL) offers a potential solution to enhance MHN-specific competencies.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of SBL in improving MHN students' confidence, clinical decision-making, and readiness for practice through an innovative mass casualty zombie apocalypse scenario. It addresses the dilution of MHN skills in nursing education and demonstrates how SBL can better prepare students for real-world mental health care challenges.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This mixed-methods study assessed the impact of SBL on MHN students’ skills in assessment, risk management, and clinical decision-making. Quantitative data were gathered using Likert scale questionnaires, and qualitative data were obtained from open-ended questions. Both sets were analyzed to evaluate changes in student confidence and reflections on the simulation experience.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Pre- and postquestionnaires showed significant improvements in student confidence, clinical decision-making, and readiness for practice. Qualitative feedback highlighted enhanced critical thinking and key MHN skills.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>SBL enhances MHN students' competence, bridging theory-practice gaps and improving mental health care outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":46287,"journal":{"name":"Teaching and Learning in Nursing","volume":"20 2","pages":"Pages e452-e459"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9000,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Teaching and Learning in Nursing","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1557308724002737","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"NURSING","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
The dilution of mental health nursing (MHN) skills is a growing concern in nursing education. Simulation-based learning (SBL) offers a potential solution to enhance MHN-specific competencies.
Aim
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of SBL in improving MHN students' confidence, clinical decision-making, and readiness for practice through an innovative mass casualty zombie apocalypse scenario. It addresses the dilution of MHN skills in nursing education and demonstrates how SBL can better prepare students for real-world mental health care challenges.
Methods
This mixed-methods study assessed the impact of SBL on MHN students’ skills in assessment, risk management, and clinical decision-making. Quantitative data were gathered using Likert scale questionnaires, and qualitative data were obtained from open-ended questions. Both sets were analyzed to evaluate changes in student confidence and reflections on the simulation experience.
Results
Pre- and postquestionnaires showed significant improvements in student confidence, clinical decision-making, and readiness for practice. Qualitative feedback highlighted enhanced critical thinking and key MHN skills.
Conclusions
SBL enhances MHN students' competence, bridging theory-practice gaps and improving mental health care outcomes.
期刊介绍:
Teaching and Learning in Nursing is the Official Journal of the National Organization of Associate Degree Nursing. The journal is dedicated to the advancement of Associate Degree Nursing education and practice, and promotes collaboration in charting the future of health care education and delivery. Topics include: - Managing Different Learning Styles - New Faculty Mentoring - Legal Issues - Research - Legislative Issues - Instructional Design Strategies - Leadership, Management Roles - Unique Funding for Programs and Faculty