(10) Nurturing Excellence: Using Formative Assessments in Nursing Simulation for Competency development

Formative evaluations are essential for enhancing nursing education and can be streamlined through digital tools that facilitate real-time feedback and data analysis. This approach improves the quality of feedback to students and promotes opportunities for curriculum development while maintaining a safe learning environment. Grounded in the Assessment for Learning framework, this project provides practical guidance for integrating digital formative evaluations into nursing simulations.

Over two years, the Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument (CCEI) was used to evaluate students during their pre-licensure mental health nursing course. This ensured that students received relevant and constructive feedback, enhancing their learning outcomes. Findings demonstrated significant improvements in simulation practices and student performance. Faculty employed these evaluations to improve curriculum development and review processes.

Digital evaluations were also used by observers during simulations, enabling them to engage and provide peer feedback actively. This involvement fostered a collaborative learning environment, enriching the overall educational experience. A vital component of this approach is creating a safe space where pre-licensure nursing students feel empowered to give and receive constructive feedback. Normalizing mistakes allows students to identify and address gaps in their understanding, encouraging open communication, critical thinking, and continuous improvement, ultimately leading to better learning outcomes.

Preliminary findings revealed several areas for improvement, including the need for enhanced training of standardized patients, addressing curriculum gaps, and clarifying the pre-briefing process. These insights underscore the importance of ongoing evaluation and refinement of simulation practices to optimize student learning outcomes while ensuring a safe and supportive environment.