National University Launches VR Nurse Training

A new VR pilot to train aspiring nurses

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National University Launches VR Nurse Training XR Today
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Published: February 26, 2021

Rebekah Carter

Rebekah Carter

Veteran-founded non-profit institution, National University, recently celebrated the arrival of its 50th anniversary with the introduction of a new virtual reality training initiative. The VR solution gives nursing students access to hands-on clinical training experiences in a virtual environment.

The simulation scenarios support students in practicing and honing skills required on the job without compromising safety in the era of COVID-19. According to Associate Vice President for Community Affairs at the National University, Dr. Gloria McNeal, this innovation is a great step forward.

As communities everywhere continue to face restrictions to keep people safe during the pandemic, healthcare educators need a way to provide effective training experiences to students. This VR solution bypasses the limits imposed by the pandemic.

A New Age for Nurse Training

With funding from a $200,000 Health Resources and Services grant, the pilot program helps to offer better access to high-quality healthcare in underserved community environments. The National University’s department of Nursing is just one of 5 nationwide programs receiving the award.

Additionally, philanthropic company, Las Patronas, provided the company with nearly $50,000 to purchase 70 VR headsets for the program, and the San Diego Board of Supervisors delivered $25,000 for software and programming costs.

Emerging as a valuable technique for healthcare training, the VR and AR environments are rapidly helping aspiring professionals to continue valuable studies during difficult times. The VR solution for nurses is an alternative to the standard 9-week health course. During the program, students should spend around 120 hours acting in a simulated environment, working on tasks like checking wounds, obtaining readings of blood pressure, and monitoring oxygen.

The simulated training solution focuses heavily on supporting vulnerable communities, such as the homeless population in the US. Throughout the educational experience, students will collaborate with peers from other disciplines, including public health. The VR training is now available to a series of 8 groups of students – totalling around 80 students by the end of 2022. 40 students have completed the training already, and National University is planning on expanding opportunities in the future.

Disrupting the Training Landscape

At a time when it’s often difficult for people to access the effective higher education training resources that they need, the VR solution is an excellent example of how institutions can assist with offering a stronger learning experience. In a field as complex as community health and nursing, academic leaders can still replicate complex environments with the assistance of VR.

The current pilot program builds on an already impressive history of innovative healthcare programming from Dr. McNeal, who was originally pivotal in securing funding for the Nurse Managed Clinic, which earned recognition as the Edge Runner Model of Care for residents in underserved community. McNeal was also helpful in leading the design and implementation of the Vets to BSN program, which offered an accelerated pathway to nursing education for veterans.

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