Faculty as Standardized Patients: An Innovative Approach to Simulation in Nurse Practitioner Education

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of simulation using faculty standardized patients on perceived confidence in performing competencies among family nurse practitioner students.Methods: The study design is one group pre-test and posttest design with survey questionnaire. Four simulation sessions were conducted at the Nursing-Simulation lab over four weeks in April 2025. Thirteen family nurse practitioner students who had completed their pediatric rotation and enrolled in the adult clinical course participated. Student participation was not mandated. Three nursing faculty members volunteered to participate in the simulation as standardized patients. Faculty “patients” presented with gastrointestinal complaints and gave verbal clues as students examined the mannequins for the physical exam component. The faculty received details of the scenario, the objectives and a script via email one week before the scenario. The topic of the gastrointestinal system was covered in the class and students were given a quiz prior to implementing the simulation. Each simulation session began with the pre-brief, introduction to the patient via a door note on a lap -top computer, simulation with the faculty patient, and a debrief. There were time outs called by participants and faculty when simulation was suspended for students to collaborate and discuss with peers and observers. Confidence levels of students were measured with a questionnaire before and after the simulation.Results: The Kirkpatrick model level 2 was used to assess learning. The scores for perceived self- confidence with the simulation intervention showed statistically significant improvement for performing all the 4 nurse practitioner sub-competencies -history taking, performing physical exam, formulating differential diagnoses and planning care.Conclusion: Simulation using nursing faculty as standardized patients is feasible and could be a cost-effective alternative to enhance student learning.