Nurse educator knowledge,attitude and skills towards using high-fidelity simulation: A study in the vocational education sector

High-fidelity simulation has become an essential educational approach in nurse education globally. Several studies have explored the experience of undergraduate nursing students and educators with high-fidelity simulation; however, none have explored the experience of students in the vocational educational sector. The aim of the study was to explore nurse educators’ knowledge, attitude and skills toward using high-fidelity simulation in the setting of vocational education. An anonymous on-line survey design was conducted at three campuses of a major Australian Technical and Further Education vocational education setting. Forty-eight nurse educators teaching into Diploma of Nursing program for at least six months were invited to participate, 29 participated in the study, a response rate of 60%. Participants expressed lack of knowledge in managing technological issues, simulation facilitation procedures and conducting scenarios. Most participants had positive attitude towards high-fidelity simulation and rated their skills as ‘novice’. An urgent need for nurse educator training was identified to enhance knowledge and skills in technical and scenario management of high-fidelity simulation. A program of supportive mentoring by nurse educator mentors experienced in high-fidelity simulation, engaging with existing simulation associations, will enhance and sustain nurse educator knowledge, attitude and skills in a protected environment further, so that they can optimise training they provide to students for safe quality care of patients in the future.