Nurse Educator, Laura Roberts

A research team lead by Nurse Educator, Laura Roberts, RN, BN, MN, CCNE and Valda Duke, RNBN, MNNP that includes Kelli Durdle MN, BNRN and Melissa Crotty MN, BNRN aims to ascertain whether virtual simulation games are a route to upkeeping pediatric nurses' training.

Ms. Roberts and the research team believe that technology such as virtual simulation games could be the key to pediatric nursing professionals maintaining their clinical competency.

"While a plethora of research exists around the use of simulation in undergraduate nursing education as well as in-person simulation in the pediatric setting, a gap exists with exploring the use of VSGs with nurses in practice," she said.

For the research titled "Evaluation of a Virtual Simulation Game as a means to Maintain Clinical Competency in Pediatric Nursing Practice" Ms. Roberts and the research team received a $14,950 Janeway Research Grant.

Virtual simulation games (VSGs) are a form of educational gamification which allows learners to apply knowledge in a virtual clinical environment. VSGs for nursing are a type of simulation whereby actors play the roles of a client and nurse in a video format with periodic pauses that incorporate critical decision points. The player of the game assumes the nurse role in the scenario and completes a simulated clinical encounter where nursing skills are performed with the client, with client outcomes based on the player's choices of decisions.

"Due to the nature of the vast geographical spread of the population of children within NL, the limited availability of specialized care outside the Avalon region, and the increasing emphasis on continued education within health professions, a flexible approach to maintaining pediatric clinical competency is required," said Ms. Roberts.

Using VSG would provide much needed education to both rural and urban nurses, is an avenue to address this need.

"Nurses across NL are required to provide care for children," she said. "However, they may not have consistent experiences working with children in order to maintain competencies of certain skills. VSGs that focus on pediatric clinical situations will afford nurses the opportunity to be better equipped and confident to care for pediatric clients."

For more information, contact Ms. Roberts at p97lar@mun.ca.