The Impact of Experiential Simulation on Nursing Students

Patients with impaired renal functions sustain their lives through kidney transplantation or various dialysis methods. Peritoneal dialysis, one of these methods, is based on the administration of 1.5-3 liters of dialysis solution into the patient's peritoneal cavity and the replacement of this solution at 4-6 hour intervals. The continuous presence of this solution in the peritoneum creates a significant physical burden for the patient. It is crucial for nurses to be aware of this physical load and the challenges patients face throughout the process, to understand them, and to develop empathy. A nurse's understanding of the patient facilitates treatment adherence, improves quality of life, and supports the patient's motivation. In this study, a weight-based simulation will be implemented to enhance nursing students' empathy levels and caring behaviors. Students will be equipped with a 2 kg weight for four-hour periods to experience the physical burden endured by peritoneal dialysis patients. Following the intervention, students' empathy levels, caring behaviors, and perspectives regarding the experience will be evaluated. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the empathy levels and caring behaviors of nursing students. Furthermore, the students' feedback is expected to guide nursing education, academics, and clinical nurses in providing care for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Inclusion Criteria: * Being a second-year (sophomore) nursing student * Having successfully completed the Internal Medicine Nursing course * Voluntarily consenting to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of pre-existing musculoskeletal disorders (specifically chronic low back pain) * Presence of any clinical contraindications that interfere with the application of external weights