Journal of Community & Public Health Nursing
Open Access

Abstract

Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) is a problem of global significance; accounting for 25 percent of maternal deaths, it is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, often occurring in healthy women devoid of significant risk factors. Because of its relative infrequency, student nurses may miss opportunities to practice critical hemorrhage assessment and management skills while in a supervised learning environment. Simulation offers students an arena to practice low-frequency, high-stakes events like PPH, in an environment where no harm results from missteps. This DNP Capstone Project investigated the effect of simulation on knowledge, confidence, and clinical judgment of 33 third semester, traditionally enrolled baccalaureate nursing students. A one-group, pretestposttest design assessing knowledge and confidence was performed; knowledge scores showed mixed improvement. Surveys revealed satisfaction with simulation improved (p<0.0 to 0.003 at 0.05), although confidence in skills and responsibility for learning did not. Student self-reflections correlated with the researcher. Student-identified themes of importance emerged, including prioritization and communication.

Biography

E-mail: cbpcnm@juno.com