Thesis: Nursing students` clinical learning: Combining simulation training with nursing home practice
Olaussen`s thesis investigates first-year nursing students experiences and relevant outcomes of simulation training combined with clinical practice in nursing homes. Olaussen defended her thesis at the Faculty of Health Science (UiS) on the 23rd of March 2023.
The study had a multimethod design.Initially, elements in simulation training associated with student outcomes of satisfaction and self-confidence were identified using a cross-sectional design. Then, combining simulation training with clinical practice was explored using an exploratory sequential inspired strategy, which started with student experiences of multiple simulation training as a supplement during clinical practice. A qualitative descriptive design with focus group interviews was used. Then, the Clinical Learning Environment Comparison Survey (CLECS) was translated and tested for its psychometric properties using a cross-sectional design with a longitudinal component. In the last investigation, student outcomes of knowledge acquisition, self-efficacy, and fulfilment of clinical learning needs were examined after integrating simulation training as a partial replacement for clinical hours during clinical practice. An experimental design with pre- and post-test comparisons of an intervention group versus a control group was used to examine student outcomes of knowledge and self-efficacy. Additionally, a descriptive survey-based comparison was used to examine fulfilment of clinical learning needs (CLECS) in the intervention group.
The results indicate that active student engagement in simulation training may increase both student satisfaction and self-confidence, and the first-year students experienced enhanced knowledge, confidence, and mastery due to the simulation training when combining simulation training with clinical practice. The active student engagement, collective reflections, and the feedback from facilitators and peers in the simulation training seemed pivotal for promoting the students` clinical learning during the practice period. The CLECS (Norwegian version) was proven adequate to evaluate clinical learning to meet students` learning needs and, combining simulation training with clinical practice in nursing homes was positively associated with knowledge acquisition and with meeting the clinical learning needs of first-year students, especially within the areas of the nursing process, self-efficacy, and teaching-learning dyad. The thesis suggests that simulation training, either as a supplement or as a partial replacement for clinical hours, combined with clinical practice in nursing homes might be of great benefit for Norwegian first-year nursing students.
Camilla Olaussen (52) was born in Drøbak. She is a nurse and holds a master´s degree in nursing science from the University of Oslo from 2010. She is currently working as an associate professor at Lovisenberg Diaconal University College
Supervisors
Main supervisor:
Professor Simen Alexander Steindal, Lovisenberg Diaconal University College
Co-supervisors:
Professor Lars-Petter Jelsness-Jørgensen, Østfold University College
Professor Ingunn Aase, University of Stavanger
Dr. Christine Raaen Tvedt, Lovisenberg University College
