What we do
Simulation provides students the ability to make mistakes, reflect on their decisions and take corrective action so that when they are in a real-life setting, they have the competence and confidence needed to provide the highest quality and safest patient care.
Simulation is a frequently used teaching methodology in nursing education. As a teaching strategy, it is valued for its ability to provide realistic, context-rich experiential learning in a safe environment. From simulated patients to low and high-fidelity manikins, to virtual reality, each context provides a unique perspective and can facilitate learning and evaluation of patient care situations along the continuum of care.
The goal of the UW School of Nursing Simulation center is to provide learning opportunities in a modern simulation center setting with a realistic, professional experience for students. The simulation center uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology commonly found in real-world healthcare settings. We provide the following simulation-based learning experiences:
High Fidelity Simulation Scenarios and Cases
Using high fidelity manikins or standardized participants/patients, our Team partners with faculty to design simulation experiences that prepare learners for practice. We focus on both low frequency high risk events and high frequency low risk events. Each of our scenarios/cases supports learners in meeting course and program outcomes as we foster clinical judgement and clinical decision making. Learners are supported as they navigate through the care of one or more clients where they can notice, interpret, respond, and then reflect on their actions and associated outcomes for their client (s).
Skills Based Learning
Task trainers and low to mid fidelity manikins are used to create an opportunity for deliberate practice, and clinical remediation of skills. Additionally, these sessions can be designed using a case-based format to provide context and to promote a person-centered approach to how these skills are performed.
Skills Validation and Competency Based Assessment
The simulation spaces and team support skills validation and competency-based assessments across the curriculum for all courses and programs where this occurs.
Continuing Education and Community Engagement
The UW School of Nursing Simulation Center is proud to be involved in supporting community programs and continuing education. Some of the continuing education and program supported by the simulation center in 2023 include:
- UW Nurse Camp- a weeklong camp geared towards increasing access and opportunities to a more diverse population of high school sophomores and juniors UW Nurse Camp
- UW Premera Rural Nursing Health Initiative UW Premera Rural Nursing Health Initiative
- UW Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
- UW Dare to Dream Health Sciences Program Dare to Dream Academies gives students from migrant families the opportunity to spend an entire week on the University of Washington (UW) campus. This program gives students a glimpse into college life, allowing them to experience firsthand what possibilities are available to them when it comes to achieving a higher education.