Development and evaluation of a multipatient maternal-newborn simulation for undergraduate nursing students to augment traditional clinical placement

Background The ongoing nursing shortage in the United States has prompted many nursing schools to increase student enrollment, resulting in heightened demand for clinical placements, particularly in perinatal care. Innovation The purpose of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a high-fidelity, multipatient obstetric simulation designed to augment a deficit in hands-on clinical experience for labor and delivery, postpartum, and newborn nursing care. Undergraduate nursing students participated in an intensive four-patient session replicating a busy perinatal unit. The simulation emphasized active application of theoretical knowledge, development of critical thinking, and teamwork, while utilizing manikins, standardized patients, and realistic fast-paced clinical scenarios. Implications Faculty and student feedback indicated that the simulation reinforced theoretical knowledge, practice skills and clinical judgement, and provided a valuable supplement to traditional clinical placements. Identified challenges included limited staffing, time required for equipment reset, and the lack of an electronic health record system. Conclusion This project evaluation can inform recommendations for future improvements in multipatient scenarios. The simulation represents a practical and effective approach to strengthening perinatal nursing education.