Improving infection prevention knowledge among BSN nursing students : a multi-modality simulation boot camp program
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Background Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) contribute significantly to patient morbidity, mortality and cost. Nursing students often struggle to consistently apply infection prevention practices, highlighting the need for experiential learning strategies. This quality improvement project implemented a multi-modality simulation boot camp to improve infection prevention competence and confidence among pre-licensure nursing students. Project objectives included increasing competence measured by the Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument (CCEI), confidence measured by the Generalized Self- Efficacy (GSE) scale, and performance on the Safety and Infection Control subscale of the ATI Adult Health Medical-Surgical exam. Methods A review of literature supported simulation-based learning as an evidence-based method for improving infection prevention knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy. The intervention was delivered across two semesters and incorporated virtual reality, standardized participants, and task trainers. Faculty received preparatory education on simulation best practices. Evaluation measures included pre- and post-intervention CCEI and GSE scores, student perceptions (SET-M), faculty facilitator surveys, and ATI outcomes. Results Competence significantly improved, with CCEI median scores increasing from 4.0 to 6.0 (Z = -5.43, p < .001, r = .79). Confidence improved by more than 5% (U = 658.50, p < .001, r = .38). The Fall 2025 ATI group score was 58.1%, with 62.7% scoring above the national mean, a 2.2% increase over the 2024 cohort. Student and faculty perceptions were positive. Conclusions A multi-modality simulation boot camp strengthened infection prevention competence, confidence, and standardized exam performance. Continued integration of simulation across the curriculum is recommended to reinforce infection prevention behaviors and support patient safety outcomes. IRB Approval IRB approval through exempt review. Co-Authors Dr. Stefanie Birk, Dr. Anne Heyen, Dr. Stephanie Stewart, Dr. Kathleen Tenrreiro Learning Objective The purpose of this QI project was to improve infection prevention competence and confidence among nursing students by implementing a multi-modality simulation boot camp. Learners will apply lessons from the QI project to inform approaches enhancing infection prevention behaviors and patient safety.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License.