Title : Empowering undergraduate nurses: Advancing competency through student-directed open simulation labs
Abstract:
Undergraduate nursing students at Bowie State University articulated a clear need for expanded access to simulation-based learning experiences to enhance clinical preparedness and address gaps in knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) essential for safe, effective patient care. In response, the Department of Nursing conducted a SWOT analysis to identify innovative strategies for increasing simulation opportunities amid existing faculty limitations. This initiative led to a collaborative effort among undergraduate and graduate nursing faculty, in partnership with simulation personnel, to design and implement a student-driven open simulation lab model. Grounded in learner-centered pedagogy, the model empowered students to identify their individual learning objectives—aligned with course content—via a structured sign-up process. Faculty and simulation staff then designed tailored simulation scenarios that addressed these objectives, ensuring alignment with curricular and clinical competencies. Each session adhered to best practices in simulation pedagogy, incorporating a pre-briefing, a high-fidelity or task-based simulation, and a structured debriefing. Sessions were delivered in one-hour blocks, with participation available to individuals or small groups. Post-session evaluations were administered to capture student perceptions and inform continuous quality improvement. This presentation will outline the development, implementation, and preliminary outcomes of the open simulation lab initiative. It will also explore the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration and student engagement in simulation design. Preliminary findings from informal evaluations indicate increased student confidence, competence, and satisfaction, suggesting that this model effectively addresses learner needs and enhances readiness for clinical practice.
