Clinical Competency: Simulation Compared with Lectures in Training Registered General Nursing (RGN) at Time of Completion of Program—A Systematic Review

Background: Advancing the science of nursing education through technology into teaching and learning is essential to prepare nurses for the changing healthcare environment. Objective: To synthesise evidence in nursing students’ competency in the clinical setting immediately after completion of training with simulation compared with lectures. Methods: Databases were sourced electronically from CINAHL and PubMed using keywords Simulation, lecture, clinical competency and new graduates. Study Eligibility Criteria, Participants and Interventions: Published articles addressing the research objectives, written in English, spaning between September 2010 and March 2019 directly answer the PSCOT question with results applicable to the population specific-nursing students, simulation was utilized. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: Extracted data from sorted studies were analysed and assessed for quality using the John Hopkins Evidence-Based Appraisal Tools. Results: The two-database yielded 520 articles, 10 met the eligibility criteria. Findings documented three important themes: 1) Clinical competence among nurses;2) Medical residents’ clinical competence and 3) Was about the competence of anaesthesiology residents. Limitations: The identified studies used small sample sizes ranging from 20 to 98 participants in the single research studies. Conclusions: The review of the literature found that the active teaching strategy of simulation was more effective in promoting clinical competency in nursing students compared with the lecture method. The evidence-based teaching project proposes the use of simulation as the primary teaching method to improve the clinical competency abilities of registered general nursing (RGN) diploma students.

Bilateral Ectopic Kidneys Presenting as Lower Abdominal Pain

Background: Bilateral Ectopic Kidney is uncommon and usually diagnosed during a routine medical checkup. It could be misdiagnosed as an abdominopelvic mass. In-depth knowledge of its presentation will aid in its management. A poor anatomical relation of the kidneys with other abdominopelvic organs could lead to renal complications and surgical errors. This is of gynaecological importance and worthy of discussion for a lady of her reproductive age. Case presentation: A 20-year-old nulliparous lady of African descent presented with a long-standing history of dull lower abdominal pain. The pain has been intermittent and occasionally associated with a sensation of movement in the lower abdomen. She has a regular and normal menstrual cycle and has no lower urinary tract symptoms. Physical examination was unremarkable with intact secondary sexual characteristics. The abdomen was soft, non-tender and without any organomegaly. Abdominal ultrasonography, renal pyelogram and urinalysis were carried out after her consent was sought in accordance with the institution’s protocol. Urine analysis was normal and culture was negative. However further imaging revealed a bilateral pelvic ectopic kidney. Conclusion: Most of the cases reported are usually unilateral ectopic kidneys. It is, therefore, our belief that this information will be useful to medical practitioners such as surgeons, urologists, radiologists and gynaecologists. Such a diagnosis will enable clinicians to follow up with the client and preserve the renal function whiles preventing iatrogenic injuries during surgical procedures.