Undergraduate Nursing Students’ and Leadership Development Using Simulation-Based Experiences: An Interpretative Description Study

Moderator

Karen Blundon, Doctoral Candidate

Event Details

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time: 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Location: ED 4004, G.A Hickman Building, Memorial University
Virtual Link: Webex

Abstract

The development of leadership in undergraduate nursing students is essential for their growth as professionals. However, new graduate nurses are unprepared for leadership upon entry into their profession. An educational gap exists for the development of non-technical skills in the affective domain, which is further compounded by limited opportunities to practice leadership in the clinical placement setting. Adding to this is the lack of clarity in defining clinical nurse leadership, thereby increasing uncertainty about what it means to demonstrate leadership skills as a pre-licensure nursing student (Jack et al., 2022).

Development of non-technical leadership skills in undergraduate pre-licensure nursing students highlights the importance of self-efficacy and emotional intelligence in delivering patient care. Linking these concepts to leadership cannot be underestimated. Leadership and non-technical skill development were enhanced with the use of simulation-based experiences.

Candidate Profile

Karen Blundon MSN, RN, PNP, SAVE, CCHSE

Ms. Blundon has worked in both health care and non-health care sectors during her professional career. Within the health care profession, Karen has worked as a Registered Nurse in specialty areas, as an educator with simulation pedagogy since 2007, and worked in senior leadership within the academic environment. Ms. Blundon’s non-nursing professional career has been in government, living and working abroad in the U.S.A, Singapore, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. She held positions with the U.S and Australian governments, working with senior leadership supporting both the ASEAN and G20 Summits. Karen is a Ph.D. Candidate with the Faculty of Education at Memorial University, doing research with undergraduate nursing students in leadership development using simulation. Ms. Blundon sits on several committees at Memorial University.

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Location: ED 4004, G.A Hickman Building, Memorial University

Date and Time: Thursday, Mar. 5 at 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM (NST)

For more information: https://mun.webex.com/mun/j.php?MTID=m065ee63d695b4118ab2f8b3124cc0776

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