Virtual Simulation - A Method of Clinical Instruction for Undergraduate Nursing Courses
Abstract: Western Governors University, a competency-based online university, offers undergraduate and graduate nursing courses through the College of Health that lead to a RN/BSN career track and several M.S. degrees. Because of the nature of online nursing education, challenges exist to ensure that nursing students gain enough clinical hours in their immediate locale to meet national nursing standards. This paper discusses the role that virtual simulation plays in assisting students in gaining clinical experience and valuable skillsets online to fulfill these needs. Simulations support critical thinking and reasoning, accelerate the acquisition of competence, and develop expertise in low-stakes settings. The College of Health with its team of instructional designers, learning resource specialists and curriculum program developers have created a suite of courses in community health where students can accrue clinical hours in two high-fidelity virtual simulation environments.
Presider: Kurt Ackermann, Hokusei Gakuen University Junior College