(8) Introducing simulation using International Nursing Association of Simulation and Learning (INACSL) best practices in a behavioral health nursing clinical course – A pilot study

Abstract:

Introduction:
Simulation is minimally utilized in the undergraduate BSN clinical courses at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB). The faculty participated in a comprehensive course on simulation provided by INACSL. A nursing faculty introduced a simulation using the INACSL best practices in a behavioral health nursing clinical course, as a pilot study.

Methods:
The faculty attended a comprehensive INACSL training and created a simulation using INACSL best practices. The simulation was tailored to a scenario in a behavioral health environment. Using the NLN template, the faculty designed the simulation with the use of an SP and in a setting similar to a behavioral health unit. The SP was trained to act as an escalating behavioral health client. Students were given pre-briefing materials. Ten students participated in the pilot simulation. Debriefing was completed with the students.

Results:
Faculty ran the pilot simulation twice . Two student nurses attempted to verbally deescalate the SP each time. The student nurses utilized therapeutic communication in order to deescalate the SP. The nurses practiced speaking clearly, using short sentences, speaking in a calm and non-threatening voice, practiced empathy, validating the SP’s experience, treating the SP respectfully, and practiced exhibiting positive body language. The SP was effectively deescalated one of the two times.

Conclusion:
The simulation pilot was an effective way of practicing therapeutic communication with an escalating behavioral health client. Student nurses were able to practice these skills in a safe and non-threatening environment. The simulation will be further utilized in the CSUB nursing program.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to view your poster.: This session would provide insights to nursing faculty in regard to the methods of creating an inpatient behavioral health simulation using INACLS best practices. It would provide knowledge on how to develop a simulation scenario that can be used in creating a pilot simulation for any clinical nursing course.