Nursing Simulation Reflection

The simulation experience for me was fantastic! I felt that the atmosphere was positive and I personally learn better in a positive, somewhat relaxed environment. I was assigned to be the charge nurse and at first I felt a bit intimidated by this since I have never acted as a charge nurse prior to that day. Once the nurses had finished their assessment and set-up of the patient I arranged to call the physician to verify orders. The first time that I called the physician I did not have my current vitals written down, but I quickly learned that I need to have all pertinent information at hand and ready to go before I ever call the physician. I felt that this really prepared me for the future, when I am a nurse and have to contact a physician in regard to a patient. To me any experience is positive if you learn from it, and I definitely learned from that.

I must say that I was impressed with the gals in my group. They worked together very efficiently, effectively and as a team. I learned from their actions, comments, and behaviors that day, what to do with a patient that is having difficulty breathing. I learned a lot from watching both groups, doing things correctly and incorrectly. I really felt that this simulation experience reinforced a lot of course work, and this was an experience that I will not forget.

I would love to do more simulation exercises in the future. One simulation that I think would be of great use would be a mock code situation, because I have never participated in one. I am sure that the first one is very daunting and overwhelming, but I think that I would be much better prepared if I was able to experience a mock code through a simulation exercise.

Overall I felt that this was an efficient and effective use of clinical time. One suggestion that I would give to other students is to relax and get into the experience, don't be embarrassed that it is a mannequin! It is so great to have the opportunity to learn from mistakes on a mannequin than on a real patient!

Thank you for a great simulation clinical day! I loved it!