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As a prelicensure nursing professor, I noticed students developed a sharper sense of decision-making skills after repetitive simulation exposure. 

Simulations in healthcare can involve using a simulator, which is a computerized manikin that can initiate or respond to vocal or human-like responses within its environment. The manikin is controlled by a simulation technician or nursing faculty- typically behind the scenes- without students knowing what the simulator will do next. 

Another option for patient simulation is using live actors to perform according to a scripted scenario. They respond to students in ways that cue them to react, make decisions, and challenge critical thinking.

According to industry

During my time as a prelicensure nursing professor, I noticed that students developed a sharper sense of decision-making after more repetitive exposure to simulations. Simulations in healthcare can involve using a simulator, which is a computerized mannikin that can respond or initiate vocal or human-like responses to their environment and those interacting with it. It is controlled by a simulation technician or another nursing faculty, typically behind the scenes, without students’ awareness of what the simulator will do next. Another option is using actual live actors who have been scripted to perform according to a scenario and respond to students in ways that cue students to perform tasks, make decisions, and even challenge them.

While conducting my doctoral research, I