Adding context to a simulation module for leadership and management baccalaureate nursing students

An advanced simulation module was developed and implemented in a baccalaureate nursing management course to demonstrate how learned leadership and management concepts and client care skills can be applied by senior nursing students within the context of an acute care setting. This simulation extended the learning experience beyond the case analysis approach to include a total health care environment with simultaneous evolving dynamics that impinged upon the students’ direct care activities. The simulated situations included an opportunity for students to participate in hand-off communication, assign providers according to client needs and competencies, apply delegation guidelines, access the chain of command when needed, apply legal-ethical principles, communicate within an interprofessional team, and provide care for a group of clients with diverse health conditions. The faculty contends that this simulation has the potential to contribute to the creation of graduates that are better prepared to enter complex work environments with leadership skills as an essential core competency. It is further believed that students are more likely to value the need for leadership skills in their future role as a member of the health care team as a result of using simulation in a leadership and management course.