(1107) Longitudinal Simulation and Procedural Curriculum for Pediatric Critical Care Nurse Practitioners

Introduction: Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) in the PICU have inconsistent opportunities for iterative practice and formative feedback in acute patient management and procedural skills. We hypothesized that a longitudinal simulation and procedural skill curriculum for pediatric critical care NPs would increase engagement and confidence in participants.

Methods: Simulation-based mastery learning theory and Kern’s curriculum development methodology were utilized in the development of this curriculum. PNPs who work in the PICU and pediatric cardiac intensive care unit were eligible to participate (n=31, 0.5-20 years of experience). This project was exempt by the IRB. This curriculum consists of monthly one-hour sessions, alternating procedural skills and simulated cases each month. Content was developed based on needs assessment data and clinical expertise of faculty. Procedural sessions include interactive didactics, led by PCCM faculty, and hands on practice. Simulation sessions include two simulated patient encounters, focused on problem identification, appropriate resource utilization and escalation of care, with structured, faculty-led debriefing. Narrative feedback was gathered from participants along with satisfaction data.

Results: Thirty-one NPs have participated in this curriculum since implementation in fall 2022. Narrative feedback regarding content was universally positive, indicating improved utilization of simulation time, appreciation of physician investment in NP education and the opportunity to practice commonly encountered clinical scenarios.

Conclusions: Longitudinal simulation-based training for pediatric critical care NPs creates an engaging and effective learning environment, regardless of level of experience. Additional data will be gathered to assess the impact of these sessions on clinical performance for NPs.