Innovative Classroom Upgrade: Simulating an Intensive Care Unit Environment in an Undergraduate Academic Classroom.

There are limited opportunities for undergraduate nursing students to take part in hands-on critical care. A course was developed to expose students to the critically ill patient in the intensive care unit environment and introduce skills that students may not have the opportunity to engage in during their clinical hours. Led by two faculty currently practicing in critical care, this course used multiple learning modalities, including high-fidelity simulation; didactic teaching; online discussion; and narrative, reflective writing, to teach critical care concepts and entry-level skills.