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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Bachelor-prepared nursing students / Interprofessional simulation / Simulation / Student registered nurse anesthetist

References

[1] Janse van Vuuren V, Goon DT, Seekoe E. The perceptions of nurse educators regarding the use of high fidelity simulation in nursing education. Africa J Nurs Midwifery. 2018; 20(1): 1-20. https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/1685

[2] Merriam-Webster, Inc. interprofessional[Internet]. In: Merriam- Webster.com Dictionary. Springfield (MA): Merriam-Webster; [cited 2025 Dec 9]. Available from: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interprofessional

[3] Lackie K, Hayward K, Ayn C, et al. Creating psychological safety in interprofessional simulation for health professional learners: A scoping review of the barriers and enablers. J Interprof Care. 2022; 37(2): 187-202. PMid:35403551 https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2022.2052269

[4] Dabney C, Carter M, Accardo D, et al. A is for airway: An interprofessional simulation event to re-establish the importance of communication. AANA J. 2022; 90(5): 343-346.

[5] Farhadi R, Azandehi BK, Amuei F, et al. Enhancing residents’ neonatal resuscitation competency through team-based simulation training: An intervention educational study. BMC Med Educ. 2023; 23: 743. PMid:37817195 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04704-4

[6] Ferri P, Rovesti S, Magnani D, et al. The efficacy of interprofessional simulation in improving collaborative attitude between nursing students and residents in medicine. A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Acta Biomed. 2018; 89(7-Suppl): 32-40.

[7] Adams R, Chapa H, Garney WR, et al. A model for interprofessional, multisituational, high-intensity simulations of obstetrical and neonatal emergencies involving residents and nursing students. Am J Public Health (1971). 2024; 114(S4): S302-S303. PMid:38748966 https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307596

[8] Leithead J, Garbeeb DD, Yu Q, et al. Examining interprofessional learning perceptions among students in a simulation-based operating room team training experience. J Interprof Care. 2019; 33(1): 26-31. PMid:30230415 https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2018.1513464

[9] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Postpartum hemorrhage (Practice Bulletin No. 183). Obstet Gynecol. 2017; 130(4): e168-e186. PMid:28937571 https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000002351

[10] Hollander M, Wolfe DA, Chicken E. Nonparametric statistical methods. John Wiley & Sons. 2013.

[11] Weiner GM, Zaichkin J. Textbook of neonatal resuscitation. 8th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021.

[12] Fletcher JL. AANA Journal Course: Update for nurse anesthetists- Anesthesia simulation: A tool for learning and research. AANA Journal. 1995; 63(1): 61-67.

[13] Mogler SK, Cochrane JA, Wieme LJ, et al. Feasibility and acceptability of a low-tech simulation using local resources in a rural community hospital. AANA J. 2020; 88(6): 445-451.