Enhancing teamwork and clinical readiness: A collaborative simulation for BSN and DNP students in obstetric and neonatal emergencies

Background/Objective: Simulation is utilized in nursing programs to develop critical thinking skills during a high-risk scenario in a low-risk environment. Limited research exists regarding interprofessional simulation involving graduate and undergraduate nursing students. This project aimed to explore the impact of interprofessional simulation on graduate and undergraduate nursing students, focusing on realism, role identification, collaboration, communication, delegation, teamwork, and confidence.
Methods: The sample population included 35 Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) and 148 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Students (BSNs). Students participated in an Obstetric Emergency and Neonatal Emergency Simulation. Upon completion of the simulations, a survey was administered consisting of 17 questions, using a 5-point Likert scale.
Results: Survey results revealed that students strongly agreed that working in an interprofessional format enabled them to identify roles and responsibilities. Statistically significant differences were found (p < .05) between the BSN and SRNA students in the following areas: motivated learning, realism, identifying roles, promoting teamwork, and effective communication. A statistically significant difference was found between the students' pre-test and post-test scores, indicating that students were more confident to participate in the interprofessional simulation.
Conclusions: The results of this project support the implementation of interprofessional simulation in curriculum development to promote communication, teamwork, role identification, and confidence. Interprofessional simulations provide a safe space for students to explore delegation and role development without time constraints that could result in patient injury.