Mount Vernon Nazarene University has announced the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) simulation into its nursing program. This initiative aims to provide students with an immersive and practical experience using advanced technology. The VR environment, delivered through SimX, allows nursing students to engage with realistic patient scenarios using Meta Quest 3 headsets.
In this virtual setting, two students at a time can enter a simulated patient room where they perform various medical tasks such as assessing and treating patients, administering medications, applying oxygen, performing catheterizations, and starting IVs. The simulations are designed to be highly realistic, enabling students to listen to heart, lung, and bowel sounds and feel a patient's pulse.
"All the nursing students are being oriented to the VR environment this semester and participating in at least one VR simulation," said Esther Rudolph, Assistant Professor of Nursing. "We have added a VR simulation to each nursing course throughout the curriculum. These scenarios range from basic to complex and are designed to enhance decision-making and focus on prioritizing patient needs."
This semester's scenarios include patients with pre-eclampsia, sickle cell anemia, confusion/UTI, and falls risk. Rudolph explained that they also introduced two in-class scenarios where faculty members use the headset while the patient room is projected onto a classroom screen. Students participate by deciding on patient care actions.
"We simulated a code experience for the seniors and introduced a basic scenario to the sophomores," said Rudolph. "Also, for the seniors, they had the opportunity to care for four patients at one time in the VR setting."
The university believes that these realistic simulations will improve critical thinking skills and better prepare students for real-world nursing challenges. MVNU’s investment in this tool underscores its commitment to academic excellence and equipping future healthcare professionals with necessary skills.
For more information about Mount Vernon Nazarene University, visit mvnu.edu.
