An experiential learning approach that utilizes simulation and skills to assist FNP and PNP students to meet primary care competencies

Background:Given the demand for advanced practice nurses to have knowledge and skills in common office procedures, we teamed to develop and implement a comprehensive one day learning session that included several procedural stations combined with the use of simulation. The main learning objective was to promote the development of both technical and diagnostic reasoning skills of common and emergent clinical problems that students may not have had the opportunity to experience during clinical hours. For example, the most important component of eye examine is to distinguish the presence of serious problem and make immediate referral.

Method:The nurse practitioner faculty teamed with both the lab director and coordinator to design, coordinate and implement the following 6 skill stations: newborn assessment, respiratory care, foreign body removal, incision and drainage of an abscess, EKG interpretation, and common pediatric lab interpretation. Beginning level family and pediatric nurse practitioner students were divided into small groups and rotated between stations for a refresher on didactic information and demonstration/re-demonstration of skills led by faculty. Simulation models such as simbaby, sim man with ECG generator, and a cardiac heart sound simulation augmented the use of low and high fidelity patient case scenarios.

Outcome:  The feedback from both faculty and students was very positive and the skills day deemed a success. Students were able to apply didactic knowledge along with their advance practice nursing assessment skills to diagnose, evaluate, and manage a variety of common medical conditions.  Moreover, the students expressed feeling more confident in their abilities to perform these skills and would explore with their preceptors opportunities in which to practice these new learned skills.

Pearls: Plan well in advance (minimum 4 weeks), define reasonable learning objectives, have sufficient supplies, work within your budget, and be flexible.

Implications: With careful planning and teamwork a successful skills day is doable as well as cost effective. As competency based care by nurse practitioners is expected more NP Programs need to incorporate skills day into both their budgets and curricula.