Conversations At Carrabba's

Reminiscent conversations of activities gone by was the theme of the evening. It tickled me to hear about the role-playing scenarios that faculty enjoyed with their past students. Recollections of Barbera role-playing the "tough" patient was a riot, and I can imagine how stressed (in a good way) that it affected our nursing students. I bet you it was a learning experience that the students are particularly fond of to this day! Since this was the theme of our "engaging" conversation, let's discover the benefits of role-playing and other activities that require the students to think critically about their behavior.
Role-Playing...Cons... - Students hate it. At least in my experience, no one really enjoys it unless acting and full attention on you is what you live for! Why is it this way? Well, particularly, it's uncomfortable. You're attempting to be someone you're not, and you must be BELIEVABLE! I know the times I spent role-playing as the hysterical wife of a patient in the sim lab used to give me butterflies every time I was about to put on the show! Faking Spanish was particularly intimidating! However, the students LEARNED so much from dealing with me! Embarrassing, yes. Uncomfortable, yes. Worth the learning experience for the student? ABSOLUTELY.
According to the research article "The Importance of Role-Playing in Nursing Practice" there are seven important issues derived from the analysis of a role-play situation:

Understanding
Self-disclosure and trust
Respect
Truthtelling and honesty
Power and interpersonal conflicts
Empowerment and support
Reflective thoughts

These issues are all very powerful in student learning and retention. Remember the adage, "You might not remember what someone says, but you will always remember how they made you feel." Role-playing invokes emotion and strikes us, as learners, in a totally different way than a standard lecture or test.

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