Learning Together: Combining Undergraduate and Graduate Simulated Learning for Practicing Physical Assessment Skills.

The effectiveness of using undergraduate nursing students (UNS) as standardized patients for advanced practice nurses (APNs) was studied. First-semester UNS, as part of their health assessment course requirements, participated in APN students' practice and testing sessions as standardized patients for their health assessment course physical exam. Analysis of pre/post experience scores and open-ended questions demonstrated UNS perceived confidence increased in 15 of 21 areas and APN students' confidence increased in three areas.