Jo Brown and Guy Collins detail how taking part in a simulated public health experience in a pre-registration programme enables students to develop transferable skills for community practice

This second article in a two-part series on embedding simulated practice in the pre-registration nursing curriculum focuses on the nursing students’ journey through a simulation based on the health of a community. Building on the previous article, which explained the scope and importance of simulation (Brown and Collins 2015), it explores the implementation of a simulated practice experience on the pre-registration nursing programme at the University of Derby.

The experience is centred on public health, simulating the undertaking of a local health needs analysis and the commissioning of services. It incorporates a visit to a geographical area to identify specific health needs, carry out a health needs assessment and a review of commissioned services, and culminates in a bid for public health monies to implement health improvement. Students then undertake a public engagement exercise to publicise their work and develop skills in leadership, communication, team working and the commissioning process.