Purdue School of Nursing earns INACSL simulation endorsement, showcasing innovation through virtual reality learning

Written by: Jayma Malme, Amy Nagle and Ann Loomis

A student participates in a VR simulation with clinical associate professor Ann Loomis (right).(Purdue University Photo/John Underwood)

The Purdue University School of Nursing has earned the Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement™ from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), recognizing its excellence in simulation-based education and commitment to preparing practice-ready nurses.

This prestigious endorsement affirms Purdue Nursing’s leadership in simulation design, facilitation and debriefing and highlights innovative programs, such as its virtual reality (VR) heart initiative that bring immersive, active learning to the curriculum.

A nursing student practices skills on a simulation manikin.(Purdue University Photo/John Underwood)

Innovation in action: exploring the human heart in virtual reality

One example of Purdue’s forward-thinking approach is a VR learning experience that allows nursing students to step inside a beating human heart, manipulate its structures and visualize physiological processes in real time. 

Developed through the Envision Center’s CollabXR platform, the program enables students to interact with 3D anatomical models in a collaborative virtual environment, transforming how complex concepts are taught. 

“Nursing is very hands-on,” said Amy Nagle, clinical associate professor of nursing. “Simulation helps students apply what they’re learning and understand what is happening inside the patient, not just externally.” 

The initiative began with a pilot group and is expanding to larger cohorts, demonstrating Purdue’s commitment to scaling immersive learning across the curriculum. 

Advancing Excellence in Simulation Education

INACSL’s endorsement recognizes programs that demonstrate best practices in simulation-based learning, including structured preparation, effective facilitation and reflective debriefing.

Purdue Nursing integrates these principles through a comprehensive simulation strategy that includes:

• High-fidelity simulation labs

• Immersive VR and extended reality experiences

• Interdisciplinary collaborations with advanced visualization experts

• Progressive clinical scenarios that build decision-making skills

These approaches help students develop clinical judgment, confidence and teamwork skills in a safe, controlled environment before entering real patient care settings.

Preparing Practice-Ready Nurses

Simulation and immersive technologies enable Purdue nursing students to engage in complex, high-risk multi-patient scenarios without compromising patient safety. By integrating hands-on labs with VR-based learning, the program aims to elevate nursing capabilities to meet the future demands of health care, fostering transformative change at the intersection of education, regulation and practice to ensure graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce.

The INACSL endorsement reinforces Purdue’s position as a leader in innovative nursing education and underscores its commitment to advancing teaching methods that improve student outcomes and patient care.