Efficacy of a Simulation Program to Improve Clinical Judgment and Clinical Competence Among Graduate Nurses

Nurs Educ Perspect. 2021 May-Jun;42(3):142-147. doi: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000000805.

Abstract

Aim: This two-group feasibility study tested the efficacy of a four-scenario simulation program to improve clinical judgment and clinical competence among graduate nurses.

Background: Clinical judgment and clinical competence are underdeveloped among new-to-practice nurses.

Method: Clinical judgment was compared between the intervention group (n = 17) and a control group (n = 26) in the practice setting at two time points.

Results: The simulation program had a large effect on the intervention group's clinical judgment (η2 = .143) and clinical competence (η2 = .153). There were no statistically significant differences for each outcome at baseline as compared to the final scenario for the intervention group. There was no statistical significance between the intervention and control groups in clinical judgment in the practice setting at each measurement time.

Conclusion: Replication of the study with a randomized controlled trial and large sample size is warranted.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence*
  • Humans
  • Judgment*