The Effects of a Simulation-Based Experience with Standardized Participants on Learning and Clinical Decision-Making Related to Nursing Management of Oncologic Emergencies

Upon entry-to-practice, graduate nurses must be able to effectively manage oncologic emergencies to ensure best patient and family outcomes. Thus, nurse educators must develop active teaching strategies to prepare prelicensure nursing students with appropriate nursing oncology knowledge and skills. The purposes of this study were to determine the effect of simulation-based experiences (SBEs) with standardized participants (SPs) involving a patient and family member on baccalaureate nursing students’ confidence and competence, anxiety and self-confidence with clinical decision-making, and satisfaction and self-confidence in learning using SBEs related to management of oncologic emergencies within a seminar-style course. A longitudinal, one-group, convergent mixed-methods design was used. Baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in a senior seminar participated in two SBEs. Study data were collected pre-seminar, pre-SBE, and post-SBE. Twenty-five senior nursing students participated in this study. There was a significant increase in students’ confidence and self-perceived competence, and a significant decrease in anxiety and increase in self-confidence with clinical decision-making related to the nursing management of oncologic emergencies over time. All seven student groups in the hypercalcemia SBE, and five student groups in the hypersensitivity reaction SBE demonstrated objective competence. Qualitative themes identified included: realism, critical thinking, and benefits for professional practice. Study findings support the use of SBEs with SPs to enhance nursing students’ confidence and competence, and to increase self-confidence and reduce anxiety with clinical decision-making related to the management of oncologic emergencies in a seminar-style course. The inclusion of a family member enhanced the realism of complex SBEs.