Abstract
Empirical evidence underscores the importance of optimal nurse staffing in delivering high-quality patient care, improving outcomes, and enhancing nurse well-being. Internationally educated nurses (IENs) play a crucial role in addressing staffing shortages in the United States, yet they face challenges in bridging gaps between varying international nursing standards and US healthcare practices. Innovative approaches are essential to ensure their readiness to integrate effectively prior to arrival.
The International Transition to Practice Program leverages tele-simulation as a pioneering strategy to address these challenges, providing an offshore, immersive learning experience for IENs. This program was implemented from July 2023 to September 2024, involving 200 Filipino nurses across six overlapping cohorts. Through tele-simulation, participants engaged in structured prebriefing, standardized clinical scenarios, and outcomes-based debriefing with continuous mentorship from US-based nurse educators.
Program efficacy was assessed using a validated clinical assessment tool and a researcher-developed self-efficacy instrument. Results demonstrated significant improvements in nursing competencies and self-efficacy. The mean pre-test competency score of 81.77 (SD = 9.11) increased significantly to 96.49 (SD = 3.20) post-test (t = 16.75, p < 0.0001). Self-efficacy scores also improved across three domains: assessment, independent nursing intervention, and communication. For example, the assessment domain showed a mean score increase from 5.7 (SD = 1.4) to 6.5 (SD = 1.2), t(456) = 14.8, p < .0001.
By integrating tele-simulation into the transition-to-practice program, IENs were equipped with the skills and confidence needed to meet US healthcare standards before arrival. This innovative approach ensures seamless integration into med-surg units, addressing critical staffing needs while maintaining patient safety and care quality. Tele-simulation exemplifies a transformative teaching and learning strategy, fostering workforce readiness, promoting cultural competency, and advocating for sustainable healthcare systems globally.
Notes
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Psi at-Large
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Simulation, Tele-simulation, Transition to Practice, Onboarding, Competence, Internationally Educated Nurses, Mentoring and Coaching, Emerging Technologies
Recommended Citation
McEathron, Lisa; Striggow, Christian; and Tariga, Jose Arnold, "Innovative Offshore Transition-to-Practice Model for International Nurses Using Tele-Simulation" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 223.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/223
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-12-06
Innovative Offshore Transition-to-Practice Model for International Nurses Using Tele-Simulation
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Empirical evidence underscores the importance of optimal nurse staffing in delivering high-quality patient care, improving outcomes, and enhancing nurse well-being. Internationally educated nurses (IENs) play a crucial role in addressing staffing shortages in the United States, yet they face challenges in bridging gaps between varying international nursing standards and US healthcare practices. Innovative approaches are essential to ensure their readiness to integrate effectively prior to arrival.
The International Transition to Practice Program leverages tele-simulation as a pioneering strategy to address these challenges, providing an offshore, immersive learning experience for IENs. This program was implemented from July 2023 to September 2024, involving 200 Filipino nurses across six overlapping cohorts. Through tele-simulation, participants engaged in structured prebriefing, standardized clinical scenarios, and outcomes-based debriefing with continuous mentorship from US-based nurse educators.
Program efficacy was assessed using a validated clinical assessment tool and a researcher-developed self-efficacy instrument. Results demonstrated significant improvements in nursing competencies and self-efficacy. The mean pre-test competency score of 81.77 (SD = 9.11) increased significantly to 96.49 (SD = 3.20) post-test (t = 16.75, p < 0.0001). Self-efficacy scores also improved across three domains: assessment, independent nursing intervention, and communication. For example, the assessment domain showed a mean score increase from 5.7 (SD = 1.4) to 6.5 (SD = 1.2), t(456) = 14.8, p < .0001.
By integrating tele-simulation into the transition-to-practice program, IENs were equipped with the skills and confidence needed to meet US healthcare standards before arrival. This innovative approach ensures seamless integration into med-surg units, addressing critical staffing needs while maintaining patient safety and care quality. Tele-simulation exemplifies a transformative teaching and learning strategy, fostering workforce readiness, promoting cultural competency, and advocating for sustainable healthcare systems globally.
Description
The International Transition to Practice Program uses tele-simulation to prepare internationally educated nurses for integration into US healthcare systems prior to arrival. From July 2023 to September 2024, 200 Filipino nurses participated in immersive learning, improving competencies (pre-test 81.77 to post-test 96.49, p < 0.0001) and self-efficacy. The innovative approach addresses staffing needs, enhances cultural competency, and ensures workforce readiness for high-quality patient care.