Nursing Students’ Experience of Simulation-based Learning with Standardized Patients

This study was carried out to examine the awareness and experiences of nursing students who learned through simulated practice with standardized patients, and to identify ways to include it in learner-centered nursing practice education. Data collection was carried out from September 2012 to June 2013, and was discontinued when data saturation was achieved. Thus, nine people participated in this study. The data were analyzed using the Giorgi method. The focal meanings that emerged from the analysis were “Confidence,” “Realistic attraction,” “Emotional support,” and “Situational coping ability.” The participants realized that they had learnt to apply theory to practice through this method, and reported that it was essential knowledge for their future as a nurse. The findings of this study suggested that experiencing such a simulation-based technique complements the limitations of the existing hands-on training, and increases the effectiveness of learner-centered nursing practice education. Keywords— Simulation-based learning, Standardized patients