Simulation Clinical Experience of Veteran Care Competence for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Students with Standardized Patients

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this simulation educational activity was to assist psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner students (PMHNPs) with identifying military veterans as a vulnerable group with health care disparities and provide competent military veteran care in the private sector. Mindful of all the varied terms for military service, this article will use the term military veteran. Methods: The simulation educational activity included applying the conceptual frameworks of the healthcare disparities framework (HDF) and nursing education simulation framework (NESF). The psychiatric nurse practitioner students participated in a mandatory clinical standardized patient (SP) simulation for veteran care competence. Results: The learning was assessed in the debriefing following the student’s performance in the SP simulation scenario. Anecdotally, the students reported that the activity was well received and a valuable learning experience for their practice. Conclusions: SP simulation may increase PMHNPs’ quality of assessment of military veterans and treatment to decrease healthcare disparities. Additionally, the education of PMHNPs with military veteran care competence will increase the availability of health care providers in the private sector, where many military veterans are seeking care.