Implementing a 50% simulation-based on-campus clinical program: Lessons learned

Purpose: The purpose of this presentation is to define essential elements of a 50% simulation-based on campus clinical program for specialty clinical areas.

Background: Varied exposure to specific patient populations coupled with declining numbers of meaningful clinical placements has created significant challenges for providing BSN students essential clinical experiences. An on-campus clinical (OCC) program was designed to address these gaps based on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) National Simulation Study and the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) Standards of Best Practice: Simulation (Hayden, 2014; INACSL, 2016)

Methods: Using an iterative "plan, do, study, act" approach, the design team comprised of administration, a clinical coordinator, content experts, and simulation experts, launched a 50% OCC clinical model for specialties. Simulation-based clinicals were designed using an instructional design process. Prior to the launch of an OCC model for each specialty area, pilots were evaluated through focus group discussions and surveys of students and faculty.

Results: Essential elements to implementing a 50% OCC model were identified. Including stakeholders in the design process, determining equitable workload for faculty and students in a shared on-campus and at-site clinical experience and establishing guidelines for student evaluation were foundational to a successful clinical experience. Underpinning the initiative in its entirety was the need for a comprehensive communication strategy and orientation to the change initiative.

Discussion: The presentation will offer a “how to” process and expand upon the aforementioned lessons learned in implementing and sustaining a 50% on campus clinical model.