Aging & Social Change: Fourteenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Evidence suggests that nursing students in a prelicensure nursing program lack the required preparation to care for patients at end-of-life, causing feelings of inadequacy and stress. New graduate nurses (years 0-5) struggle to address the needs of this patient population leading to considering career changes. Nursing simulation has been shown to enhance competency and is gaining increasing favor in pre-licensure nursing education. Little research has been done on the application of simulation using standardized patients in end-of-life patient scenarios. This study used live standardized patients who simulated a home health patient encounter with the nursing student acting as a home health hospice nurse. Watson’s Theory of Caring and Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis guided the qualitative research method and analysis. Five students chose to participate in this simulation and completed six reflective questions. Post-simulation, they felt more comfortable having difficult discussions about end-of-life care, treatment options, and patient fears. Participants noted the importance of communication in a team setting, which included the caregiver as an integral member. The use of standardized patient simulated experiences increases realism and provides students the opportunity to bridge the gap between didactic education and clinical practice. This will enhance their readiness and confidence in providing EOL care.