Impact of pre-registration extended immersive ward-based simulation on student learning in preparation for clinical placement.

BACKGROUND: Graduate nurses commonly experience significant challenges in transitioning to professional practice. The practice readiness of graduate nurses continues to be a concern for nurse educators and industry partners. Introduction of pre-registration extended immersive ward-based simulation can provide opportunities for students to practice the role of registered nurse before graduation. It is not clear if participation in simulation-based learning transfers to increased preparedness for dealing with real-life situations following entry into the workforce. OBJECTIVE: To report on student views on how ward-based immersive simulation assisted in preparing for clinical placement and graduate practice. DESIGN: A qualitative, descriptive design was used to conduct a series of face-to-face focus groups. SETTING: School of Nursing and Midwifery metropolitan Western Australian university. PARTICIPANTS: Final year baccalaureate nursing students who had participated in six four-hour simulation workshops between February and April 2021 were selected through purposive sampling. METHODS: Focus group and interview data was transcribed from audio recordings. A six-phase approach was used to analyse data into themes and sub-themes. The study adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting of qualitative research. RESULTS: Three focus groups and one interview were conducted. Eight themes emerged. Student learning was identified as occurring in a variety of ways, such as how to work as a team and was influenced by a number of factors, such as the capacity for students to self-reflect. CONCLUSIONS: Learning opportunities for students to practice how to think and work independently as a registered nurse is something that can be supported by pre-registration extended immersive ward-based simulation. Understanding of what will be expected of them once qualified can make students more prepared for professional practice enabling them to apply knowledge gained from simulated experiences to a similar situation as a graduate nurse.