Abstract

Background: Simulation using standardized patients (SPs) provides nursing students with opportunities to practice clinical and communication skills within a safe learning environment. Teaching the Mental Status Examination (MSE) is an essential component of preparing students for mental health clinical practice.
Methods: This paper describes an educational innovation in which SP based simulation was used to teach the MSE to third-year undergraduate nursing students during their mental health clinical practicum. Following a preparatory lecture, students participated in group-based simulations with SPs portraying two mental health conditions. The activity emphasized therapeutic communication, clinical reasoning, and reflective questioning.
Results: Students reported increased confidence in conducting MSEs, improved questioning skills, and reduced anxiety when working in groups. The realistic simulation experience enhanced their perceived preparedness for mental health clinical practice.
Conclusion: Standardized patient simulation is an effective teaching strategy for supporting nursing students’ development of MSE skills and clinical confidence. This educational innovation offers a practical approach for integrating mental health assessment training into undergraduate nursing curricula.