Using a procedural puppet to teach pediatric nursing procedures

Background: Although nursing programs are exploring approaches to pediatric simulation, the use of puppets is underreported. A childlike procedural puppet was trialled to teach nursing students a pediatric patient procedure.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted to explore students' perceptions of how the procedural puppet facilitated learning a pediatric procedure.

Results: The puppet was “real but not too real” and allowed students to learn how to interact with the child like a nurse would in undertaking nursing procedures. The activity facilitated learning on recognizing physiological and behavioral changes evident in children. Balancing play, education, and obtaining vital signs “stays in your mind” and was considered good preparation for clinical practice.

Conclusions: Using a procedural puppet to teach pediatric nursing procedures had a very positive effect on engagement and learning.