219 - Enhancing Interprofessional Collaboration Through Interlevel Simulation

Description: Description of Team:
This initiative is designed to enhance collaboration between learners at different stages of nursing education (i.e., BSN and DNP students) and is conducted in coordination with the BSN perioperative immersion program.

Preparation and Planning:
In response to the growing need for competent, team-oriented perioperative nurses and nurse anesthetists, our team initiated a simulation-based interprofessional education program. As a follow-up to Dr. Catherine Schmitt's work on the development and implementation of a perioperative clinical intensive learning experience for traditional undergraduate (BSN) nurses and to continue to increase interest and employment in perioperative nursing, high-fidelity simulations addressing core perioperative priorities, topics such as intraoperative malignant hyperthermia (MH) management and massive hemorrhage/transfusion incidents are presented to groups of BSN and DNP nurse anesthesia students. The simulation scenarios and assessment tools utilized have been created by the Association of peri-Operating Registered Nurses. It is the goal of the intra-collaborative simulations to foster collaboration skills and improve clinical readiness within the perioperative nursing team as well as increase employment of BSN nurses into the field.

Assessment:
Participants will complete pre-simulation surveys assessing baseline knowledge, confidence, and readiness for interprofessional collaboration. Post-simulation surveys will measure changes in attitudes toward teamwork, interprofessional communication, knowledge base as well as interest in perioperative nursing for post-graduation employment. Combined data will evaluate the simulation's impact and guide improvements.

Implementation:
Interlevel simulations will continue through Spring 2026. Undergraduate BSN students will act as circulating nurses; DNP nurse anesthesia students will serve as anesthetists. Each simulation begins with a structured pre-briefing to establish expectations, orient participants, and foster a supportive environment. Scenarios focus on intraoperative events requiring collaboration and communication. Guided debriefings will follow to encourage reflection and reinforce clinical and teamwork skills.

Outcome:
Expected outcomes include increased awareness of interprofessional roles and readiness for teamwork and nursing management in the perioperative area. Additionally, the numbers of BSN graduates intending to seek employment in perioperative nursing will be recorded. Survey data will assess changes in attitudes toward teamwork, role clarity, and career interest. Intraoperative performance will be scored via skills checklists.

Implications for Perioperative Nursing:
This project introduces a structured interprofessional simulation aiming to enhance functioning of the perioperative nursing team. By fostering collaboration and role understanding, simulation supports development of communication and teamwork skills essential to perioperative care. Additionally, this experience can improve clinical learning, strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration, and stimulate interest in graduate BSN students seeking employment in perioperative practice. Findings will also be used to inform curricular improvements and better prepare nurses for team-based care.