Using a Complex Patient Management Scenario to Help Bridge the Education-Practice Gap.

Preparing nursing students for transition to practice is challenging in light of the increasing complexity of today's health care environment. A clinical simulation was developed to engage senior-level bachelor of science in nursing students in the management of a critically ill patient whose deterioration warranted timely transfer to an intensive care unit. In this fast-paced, highly charged simulation, students were challenged to implement priority setting, delegation, communication methods, and teamwork.