Leadership of the simulation center at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing has been investigating how to bring virtual simulation to life for some time.
Virtual Simulation and Virtual Reality have a lot of benefits, for example it increases the amount of experiential learning nursing students receive so that new nurses will be better prepared. Virtual reality and virtual simulation can also lead to an increased number of high-quality online programs that allow nurses to remain in the workforce while advancing their education.
View photos of the simulation lab and team
But when the COVID-19 pandemic began the project took on new meaning—it made “social distancing” simulation possible.
View photos of the simulation lab and team
“Since March and the beginning of restrictions for in person clinical experiences, traditional clinical and simulation for MSN (Entry Into Nursing) students was conducted virtually to enhance and sometimes replace clinical hours. Virtual or remote simulation also replaced non-direct clinical hours for advanced practice DNP students,” says Nancy Sullivan, DNP, RN, CHSE. Dr. Sullivan is the Clinical Director of Simulation.
From Kristen Brown, DNP, RN, CRNP, CPNP-AC, CHSE-A: “Students continue to train in fully immersive simulations in a safe environment. Also, the multi-player format provides students the opportunity for interprofessional education that would otherwise be unsafe right now.” Dr. Brown is the advanced practice simulation coordinator.
The Next Steps
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing has created a Virtual Reality lab. The simulation team will continue to expand the virtual reality and virtual simulation program to provide a fully immersive opportunity for every program, including the newly launched DNP Nurse Anesthesia and DNP Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs.
View photos of the simulation lab and team
Meet the Simulation Team at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Nancy Sullivan, DNP, RN, CHSE
Clinical Simulation Director
Sandy Swoboda, RN, MS, FCCM
Master Entry into Nursing Simulation Coordinator
Kristen Brown, DNP, MS, RN, CRNP, CPNP-AC, CHSE-A
Advanced Practice Simulation Coordinator
Catherine Horvath, DNP, MSN, RN, CRNA, CHSE
Nurse Anesthesiology Track Coordinator
Jessica Ockimey
Simulation Specialist
Conor Grace
Simulation Technologist
Mariah Frederick
Simulation Laboratory Technician
