Effect of Sequence of Simulated and Clinical Practicum Learning Experiences on Clinical Competency of Nursing Students.

Two different sequences of blocks of simulated and clinical practicum learning experiences compared the clinical competency development of nursing students using a randomized crossover design. Competency was measured 3 times: after each block of simulated and clinical experiences and after a final simulated experience. No significant differences in competency scores between the 2 groups across the 3 time points were found. Using alternative models of clinical and simulation learning may help address barriers to the delivery of clinical education faced by schools of nursing.