Simulation and its Effects on Knowledge Retention and Critical Thinking Skills

Abstract

Increasing knowledge retention and critical thinking skills is the goal of every nurse educator; however, this can be difficult with traditional modes of education such as lecture and live clinical experience. With the increasing restrictions on what students can do in a clinical setting coupled with the lack of hands-on experience, has resulted in skills and knowledge deficits in nursing students. These limitations call for a new educational modality to supplement these educational loses. The use of hi-fidelity simulation, using the NLN/Jefferies framework allows for the application of Malcom Knowles adult learning theory by providing real world experience in a safe format. In this mixed methods study the effects of hi-fidelity simulation on knowledge retention and critical thinking skills has been observed over a six-week period of simulations validated by the National League of Nursing simulation design scale for nursing education research and the National.