International Journal of Nursing

Creative Simulation by Nursing Students in Community Education
Jon Kelly, Heather Clark

Abstract
Simulation is an educational strategy that is guiding students’ ability to learn in a controlled environment. By using simulation in an educational environment learning is tailored to the students, and can also allow for outcomes that are not desired with an actual patient. Distracted driving campaigns have become popular in recent years that attempt to educate the public on the potential fatal outcomes of these behaviors. The authors have taken the concept of simulation and distracted driving education one step further by helping nursing students to educate high school students about the consequences of distracted driving. On stage at two different high schools, nursing students were able to practice nursing skills in attempts to save two victims in a pedestrian-automobile accident due to distracted driving. A total of three assemblies were performed by nursing students over a two year time period. High school students subjective input was obtained using a simple survey after each assembly to ascertain any impact on the student’s perception of texting while driving. A majority of students indicated that they either don’t text while driving, or that the assembly has made them aware of the consequences of distracted driving, and furthermore that they will not use their phone while driving. By extending simulation into the community it has benefited both the nursing students and the high school students. The nursing students had an opportunity to practice important skills during a live simulation, and also participate in educating high school students on the dangers of distracted driving. The high school students were exposed to a live simulation on the dramatic potential effects of distracted driving.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v2n1a6