Developing nurse educator competency in the pedagogy of simulation.

Faculty development is needed for nurse educators to effectively use simulation as a learning tool. A synthesis of research evidence regarding current practices in preparing educators to use simulation provided a foundation for faculty development. Implementation of a two-pronged approach within a regional collaboration of four schools of nursing is described; results of the evaluation of the approaches are presented. Use of the National League for Nursing Core Competencies of Nurse Educators as the organizing framework and Roger's Diffusion of Innovations Model as the theoretical framework is discussed. An overview is provided of the two prongs: (a) a short course for novice educators, and (b) examples of continuing education programming for experienced faculty members new to simulation to enhance effective application of this pedagogy. Recommendations include designing faculty development for simulation within a framework for systems change, maintaining flexibility to meet diverse needs, and using existing online resources.