Integrating simulation based learning into nursing education programs: Hybrid simulation.

BACKGROUND: Hybrid simulation can be developed with mannequins of any fidelity and tabletop simulators with a standardized patient to create a complex, high-level learning activity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of a hybrid simulation technique used with nursing students in a scenario about the emergency setting.

METHODS: This one-group pre-test post-test model quasi-experimental study was carried out with 39 students in Ankara, Turkey, from October 2014 to July 2015.

RESULTS: Nearly all participants reported that the simulation improved their critical thinking, decision-making skills, and self-confidence before the clinical activity and that they felt as though they were real nurses during the activity (94.7%, 97.3%, 84.2%, and 92.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the integration of hybrid simulation experiences throughout the nursing curriculum, as evidenced by positive responses from students through the simulation evaluation questionnaire.