Poster - #VH-48081 - Keywords: virtual reality, neurological conditions

Identifying Neurological Conditions: A Virtual Reality Simulation for Critical Care Nursing Students

Roy L Trahan, PhD, RN, CCRN Morgan Cangelosi, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CCRN Zachary Carson, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC Jo McDonald DNP, MSN, RN, CEN, CA/CP-SANE
University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing Galveston, Texas

ABSTRACT:
Introduction: A standardized neurological simulation was created for senior level nursing students in a traditional BSN program to achieve three primary objectives. Assess and recognize signs and symptoms of decreased level of consciousness and Cushing’s Triad due to Increased ICP, apply appropriate treatment interventions, and demonstrate competence through interactive participation and successful completion of an end of simulation quiz requiring 75% to pass. Method: The simulation patient is represented by a high-fidelity mannequin in an ICU room located in the Health Education Center simulation lab with programmed pupillary response, and live verbal responses from a simulation driver. Student groups of 5-7 are given patient report via video prior to beginning the 30-minute simulation. Primary nurse student roles are decided immediately after report. Students assess patient, discuss condition, determine treatment, and verbalize plan of care with faculty in simulation room to visually evaluate bedside assessment and provide immediate student feedback. Conclusion: After transitioning the content from a didactic format to a competency-based simulation format, student knowledge, content retention, assessment demonstration, and critical thinking skills have all improved due to hands on participation in the simulation. Outcomes are supported by end of simulation quiz scores and improved statistical results on specific content application questions. Overall, student simulation evaluation feedback has been consistently very positive since implementation of the simulation.