Mock Hospital Unit Simulation: A Teaching Strategy to Promote Safe Patient Care

Using a mock hospital unit with human patient simulation (HPS) to prepare future registered nurses with the skills necessary to deliver safe, effective care is reported on.

Abstract

Patient safety is a priority in nursing care. Nursing educators must prepare future registered nurses with the skills necessary to deliver safe, effective care. The purpose of this article is to report on the use of a mock hospital unit with human patient simulation (HPS). Participants were 24 first-semester baccalaureate nursing students out of a class of 79 juniors, and the project took place prior to the students' first actual clinical experience. The students were assigned to three faculty and, during 4 hr, cared for patients with various diagnoses. On completion of the HPS teaching project, faculty and students viewed the simulation as a positive experience with several beneficial outcomes. Beginning in fall 2008, the use of HPS as a teaching strategy will expand to include the entire junior class.