The increase in the older population highlights the need for nursing students to be prepared to provide quality care to older adults and address the impact of polypharmacy.The purpose of this study was to measure changes in empathy after participation in a polypharmacy simulation for geriatric clients among prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students.

A convenience sample consisted of junior and senior prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students (n = 34) at a large public institution.

This study is a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design. Student participants were given a prescription that included seven medications to be taken at various times in multiple configurations. Students completed the 15 item Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale (KCES) as a pretest and posttest after completion of the mock prescription.

Using a paired t test, a significant difference was found in the group’s mean score after the intervention.

Simulation activities can increase empathy in prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students.