Enables readers to hone their nursing skills in a controlled, safe, and realistic environment with the help of simulation
Blending practical guidance with robust theoretical foundations, Practice Learning Through Simulation offers a comprehensive exploration of simulation-based nursing education. Thoughtfully designed simulations replicate real-life clinical situations, from routine care to high-stakes emergencies, and step-by-step guides integrate simulation into curriculum to enhance critical thinking, clinical judgment, and hands-on skills while emphasising psychological safety and learner engagement.
This book explores the latest in simulation technology, including high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality, and standardised patients, to create a dynamic learning environment. It includes strategies for effective debriefing and feedback, helping students reflect on their performance and build confidence, as well as techniques for fostering teamwork and communication across healthcare disciplines. The book also addresses current regulatory standards and champions innovative approaches, including the latest in immersive technologies and evidence-based learning experiences.
Written in collaboration with those working in the field, Practice Learning Through Simulation shows readers how to:
- Design effective simulation scenarios aligned with NMC standards, incorporating learner needs, service-user perspectives, and lesson structure to support progressive student development
- Support the acquisition and refinement of both technical and non-technical skills in nursing education through experiential learning and deliberate practice theory
- Accommodate diverse learning preferences using Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, the VARK model, and Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences
- Overcome common challenges in simulation delivery, including emotional safety and logistical constraints
Whether you're a new or experienced educator, Practice Learning Through Simulation offers invaluable insights and practical tools to inspire excellence in nursing education and prepare your students to meet the challenges of today’s healthcare landscape with confidence, competence, critical thinking, and compassion.
Table of Contents:
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
Biographies
Chapter 1: Practice Learning through Simulation
Nicole Pollock
An overview of the theoretical foundations and regulatory frameworks guiding practice learning in nursing, with a focus on integrating simulation to build competence, confidence, and critical thinking in safe learning environments.
Chapter 2: Realistic Scenarios and Lesson Planning
Stephanie Banfield
Guidance on designing effective simulation scenarios aligned with NMC standards, incorporating evidence-based planning, learner needs, service-user perspectives, and lesson structure to support progressive student development.
Chapter 3: The Benefits of Practice Learning through Simulation
Hannah Gray
Examines how simulation closes the practice–theory gap, enhances student confidence, supports critical thinking, and improves placement flexibility, offering substantial benefits for learners, educators, and higher education institutions.
Chapter 4: Skill Development
Sarra Anderson
Explores how simulation supports the acquisition and refinement of both technical and non-technical skills in nursing education, underpinned by experiential learning and deliberate practice theory.
Chapter 5: Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgement
Stephanie Banfield & Hannah Gray
Details how simulation facilitates the development of decision-making, analytical reasoning, and reflective skills, helping students build professional judgement through structured scenarios and safe experiential learning.
Chapter 6: Interprofessional Collaboration
Stephanie Banfield & Hannah Gray
Highlights the role of interprofessional education in simulation, promoting teamwork, communication, and collaborative care. Offers implementation strategies and addresses practical barriers across curriculum and faculty planning.
Chapter 7: Debriefing
Stephanie Banfield
Outlines the principles, models, and tools of simulation debriefing. Emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, structured reflection, and skilled facilitation in consolidating learning outcomes.
Chapter 8: Adaptation to Different Learning Styles
Nicole Pollock
Demonstrates how simulation can accommodate diverse learning preferences using Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, the VARK model, and Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, with real-world nursing examples.
Chapter 9: Types of Simulation in Nurse Education
Hannah Gray
A practical overview of simulation modalities—low- and high-fidelity, virtual, and hybrid—discussing their educational applications, benefits, and limitations within nursing curricula.
Chapter 10: Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Simulation
Nicole Pollock
Evaluates the pedagogical impact of immersive technologies in nursing simulation, offering insights on implementation, accessibility, and learner engagement through VR and AR environments.
Chapter 11: Challenges and Considerations
All Authors
Explores common challenges in simulation delivery, including student disengagement, emotional safety, and logistical constraints, with evidence-based recommendations for inclusive, responsive simulation practice.
Chapter 12: Conclusion
Nicole Pollock
Reflects on simulation’s role in future-focused nurse education, advocating for strategic integration, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration to prepare practice-ready, resilient professionals.
About the Author :
Nicole Pollock is the Associate Dean for Education at Canterbury Christ Church University. A registered nurse since 2004, Nicole moved into nursing academia in 2015 and has since held a variety of senior academic roles across the university. With a passion for student learning and the integration of technology into healthcare education, Nicole has been at the forefront of advancing simulation-based learning and immersive technologies. She is currently pursuing an Educational Doctorate.
