Effect of Repeated Multipatient Simulations on Professional Readiness Among Senior Nursing Students

Abstract

Background: Senior nursing students are expected to be ready in terms of professional decisions and practices as soon as possible after graduation. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) is a framework to prepare nursing students for practice in the health care system. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effect of repeated exposure to multipatient simulations on senior nursing students' pregraduation transition views, QSEN knowledge level and self-competency, professional readiness, and postgraduation transition shock. Methods: A randomized controlled trial of intervention and control groups with pretest, posttest, and a follow-up was conducted with 78 senior nursing students at a private, accredited, nursing program in Istanbul, Turkey. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in the intervention group between the pretest and the posttest for self-confidence (P < .01), QSEN knowledge level (P < .01), and professional readiness (P < .01). The QSEN knowledge level (P < .01) and professional competency (P < .05) of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that multipatient simulations may be an effective strategy to better prepare students for the health care system's demands.