Improving performance and self-efficacy of novice nurses using hybrid simulation-based mastery learning

Aim: Acute chest pain is a commonly encountered symptom in hospital medical/surgical units; however, almost half of nurses in their second year of clinical experience in our facility have reported struggling to care for acute chest pain patients. We developed, implemented, and examined the effectiveness of a simulation-based, mastery learning clinical nursing educational program to improve self-efficacy and performance in caring for patients with acute chest pain. Methods: The study adopted a single-site, single-cohort design using simulation-based performance assessment and self-efficacy surveys on a convenience sample of 37 second-year clinical nurse participants in multi-stage hybrid mastery learning educational intervention using asynchronous e-learning, and hands-on simulation training and assessment with feedback on caring for chest pain patients. Performance assessments and self-efficacy surveys were administered pre-, post-, and 5 months post-intervention. Results: Clinical performance on the post- and 5 months follow-up assessments were significantly higher than those for the pre-test (P <.0001). The self-efficacy scores for the post- and the 5 months follow-up assessments were significantly higher than the pre-course scores (P <.0001). Participants' self-efficacy perceptions were positively correlated with their performances at 5 months post-intervention. Conclusion: Performance and self-efficacy of novice nurses in caring for acute chest pain patients improved significantly with the multi-stage hybrid mastery learning educational intervention, with improvements retained 5 months post-intervention. The results suggest the applicability of simulation-based mastery learning in a clinical setting for novice nurses to attain specific skills, and raise their self-perception of competence to care for patients in acute settings.