Ready for Practice! Virtual Simulation in Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Education
Abstract
Traditional orientations for nurses transitioning to critical care, critical care transport (CCT) and emergency department (ED) practice areas have relied on classroom lectures, apprenticeships and preceptored clinicals. Increasing patient acuity, workforce shortages, and limited clinical placement opportunities have challenged these traditional models. In the early 2000’s, simulation began to emerge as a strategy to accelerate readiness for transitioning into the practice area, enhancing clinical judgement, building confidence, and fostering interprofessional team competencies.