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SACAD: John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days

Abstract

Objective: Medication errors continue to occur in healthcare settings across the globe impacting patient morbidity and mortality. With nurses being at the forefront of the medication administration process, it is crucial that thorough training and ability to correctly administer medications start early in nursing education. This includes ongoing education and effective utilization of technology and safeguards. Building confidence in medication administration skills is essential for their success in a demanding healthcare environment. If students are able to participate in more MA experiences through simulation, will they feel more confident with the skill? The purpose of this study investigated the potential impact of increasing MA simulation experiences on the confidence levels of first-year, second-semester nursing students enrolled in an associate degree program at a community college in rural Maine. Giving students the opportunity of attending additional voluntary simulation experiences specifically surrounding MA, students are able to increase the amount of familiarity and success with the skill. Methods: This study was completed a quantitative quasi-experimental crossover design. Data regarding student confidence levels was collected through pre- and post-simulation, and end of study Likert-scale surveys. Results: The results of the study were somewhat limited due to small numbers of students participating in the voluntary simulations. Students that did attend the voluntary simulations did report an increase in confidence, but students that did not attend simulation and only participated in clinical rotations also reported an increase in confidence in the skill of MA. Conclusion: While the study was limited, further research is needed to examine if perhaps mandatory increase in simulation or changing existing simulations within nursing education could increase student confidence with MA as well as potentially prevent medication errors as new graduate nurses join the profession. Findings from this study aim to influence curriculum development and educational practices and stimulate the need for further research, contributing to the cultivation of competent and confident nursing professionals capable of mitigating medication errors in clinical practice.

Key words: simulation, medication administration, nursing education

Faculty Advisor

Christine Hober, PhD

Department/Program

Nursing

Submission Type

online only poster

Date

4-7-2024

Rights

Copyright the Author(s)

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