Author Identifier (ORCID)
Hugh Davies: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0867-2288
Lea Aboo: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2740-0162
Kristi Nicholls: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7224-3398
Carol Crevacore: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4008-1418
Abstract
Aims: To explore responses of first-year nursing students to simulated participant methodology and the level of difficulty playing the role of patient experienced by community volunteers. Background: Absence of therapeutic relationships between nurse and patient threatens medication safety. Simulation-based learning provides a safe environment for students to practice medication administration. Design: Cross-sectional survey incorporating Mezirow’s transformative learning theory. Methods: First-year Bachelor of Science Nursing students participated in a simulated medication administration scenario supported by volunteers playing the role of patients. A Likert and open-ended post-simulation questionnaire measured students’ perceptions of realism in the performance of simulated participant volunteers. Simulated participant volunteers were surveyed on the level of difficulty they experienced. Results: One hundred and ten students and 9 simulated participant community volunteers completed the questionnaire. Participants rated the activity positively. Students were able to contextualize the importance of effective communication. Playing the role of patient was not considered hard, but some community volunteers felt uncomfortable providing student feedback. Conclusion: Use of community volunteers provided a realistic clinical skills activity for students to practice medication administration.
Keywords
community volunteers, medication administration, nursing students, simulated participant, simulation
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Publication Title
Teaching and Learning in Nursing
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Funding Information
This study was supported by Executive Dean’s Award, Teaching & Learning Grant, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Edith Cowan University.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Davies, H., Aboo, L., Nicholls, K., Costello, M., & Crevacore, C. (2026). Experiences of first-year nursing students using community volunteers as simulated participants for teaching safe medication administration: A cross-sectional survey. Teaching and Learning in Nursing. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teln.2026.05.007