Background: Limited evidence is available explaining the use of human-patient simulators (HPS) in primary adult advanced practice nursing (APN) programs to enhance clinical performance. The paucity of literature related to using HPS in primary adult APN programs is what led the authors to develop simulations using HPS for such students. Methods: Simulations were used to increase student confidence and knowledge before their Objective Structured Clinical Examination to optimize this costly and important experience. The purpose of this paper was to describe the development of a simulation using a HPS and student perception of using this learning strategy. Results: Students reported decreased anxiety after the simulation experience and a better understanding of what to expect during the OSCE experience. Conclusion: Using a HPS in an interactive simulation is a valuable tool that assesses student knowledge, skills, and allows for student reflection. The authors will continue to use this pedagogy, and encourage others to develop such activities in order to prepare future competent APNs. © 2014 International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning.
