While simulation is being used increasingly as a teaching-learning strategy in schools of nursing, its use for evaluating students has been limited. This is not surprising, because there are a multitude of factors that need to be carefully considered before implementing a high-stakes assessment. In "Simulation for High-Stakes Evaluation in Nursing," Linda Bensfield and her coauthors1 uncovered many of the issues the National League for Nursing is addressing in a 3-year project that began in 2010. Funded by Laerdal Medical, the project is evaluating the feasibility of using simulation for high-stakes assessment in prelicensure RN programs.

In phase 1, experts in the use of simulation in nursing, evaluation, and medical education identified program outcomes that are amenable to simulation assessment; suggested scenarios that could be designed for evaluation purposes; and provided implementation recommendations. In phase 2, Dr Pamela Jeffries worked with 4 simulation experts to develop 4 simulation scenarios, including parallel forms for each scenario, and pilot tested them at 10 schools across the country. During this same time, Dr Marilyn Oermann and Dr Suzan Kardong-Edgren constructed the research plan, selected the tools that will be used to score the scenarios, and designed evaluator training. Field testing took place in spring 2012 at geographically diverse schools of nursing representing different types of RN prelicensure programs. Study findings will include recommendations regarding the development process and areas for future research related to this practice.

1. Bensfield LA, Olech MJ, Horsley TL. Simulation for high-stakes evaluation in nursing. Nurs Educ. 2012; 37 (2): 71-74. [Context Link]

Mary Anne Rizzolo, EdD, RN, FAAN, ANEF

Consultant, Professional Development

Janet Willhaus, MSN, RN

NLN Simulation Scholar in Residence

National League for Nursing

New York, New York