Effects of Simulation-based Scrub Nurse Education for Novice Nurses in the Operating Room: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract Background We conducted a simulation-based scrub nurse education (SSNE) program for novice nurses. We hypothesized that the program would improve scrub nurses’ non–technical skills by helping them visualize practical duties Methods This was a longitudinal study of novice nurses working in operating rooms. A total of 30 novice nurses (mean age: 24.1 years) received SSNE in surgery, urology, and obstetrics and gynecology for 45 minutes (one session in each area). Nurses then evaluated themselves using questionnaires immediately and one month after each session. Results “Evaluation of time in simulation” showed no difference in the responses provided immediately and one month after sessions (p = .91). However, differences were found in the “ability to visualize performing scrub nursing duties” and “applying learned scrub nursing skills during actual operations” between responses gathered immediately and one month after each session (p Conclusions SSNE can be applied to improve novice nurses’ non–technical skills, as well as their ability to visualize the instruments needed for, and duties associated with scrub nursing.