Purdue Global’s nursing simulation program receives INACSL endorsement

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Global School of Nursing’s simulation program that includes virtual reality and manikin-based simulations has received an endorsement from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL).

The INACSL’s Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement is awarded for following the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practices and applies to the school’s simulations for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.

Purdue Global Nursing leadership will be honored during INACSL’s conference June 10-13 in Oklahoma City.

Purdue Global operates nursing simulation centers at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine; CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs in Iowa; Dallas County Hospital in Perry, Iowa; and UnityPoint Health – Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa, Iowa.

“The INACSL endorsement recognizes the hard work of our nursing faculty and leadership who ensure Purdue Global nursing students are well-versed in clinical judgment by growing their critical-thinking skills to deliver quality care. The virtual reality coursework helps our students grow those necessary skills,” said Marlo Robinson, dean and vice president of Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Students reflect on the endorsement, importance of immersive learning sim labs

Abigail Graham is a second-year ASN student who learns at the simulation lab at CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs.

“The best part of learning in the sim lab is how realistic the environment is — a hospital-style patient room and the same supplies we would use in a real health care setting. The manikins respond to us, and we assess the patient and implement appropriate nursing interventions in real time,” Graham said. “I value the debriefing session after each scenario. We reflect on our decision-making, discuss the emotions we experienced and identify areas for growth.”

ASN and MSN students use Meta Quest headsets with AI technology for their VR simulations.

“Knowing that our sim lab has received endorsement from INACSL reinforces that we are being trained using high-quality, evidence-based simulation standards,” Graham said. “This is incredibly important and reassuring as a nursing student entering the profession.”

Morgan Pytlak of South Carolina is in the MSN program, completing VR simulations as part of her coursework.

“It’s extremely realistic and helped me solidify my assessment skills, including physical exams and review of systems. I like how it gives immediate feedback once the simulation is completed,” Pytlak said.

Like Graham, Pytlak said the simulations create a safe, judgment-free environment with no risk when assessing the virtual patient.

“The VR simulation allows you to really take your time and be thorough with the patient, which is not always the case in an outpatient setting,” Pytlak said. “The coursework, classes and VR tools and simulations are molding me into a confident, well-rounded provider. It allows me to think on my own, ask for clarification when needed, and create my own rhythm and flow when assessing patients.”

Pytlak and Graham said Purdue Global’s flexible online classes, in-person clinicals and simulation experiences have increased their assessment skills, critical thinking and ability to prioritize patient care, leading to academic and personal success, especially as both work while taking classes. 

Faculty reflect on student success, innovation and growth in nursing education

Brooke Hanner, a clinical nursing faculty member who teaches ASN capstone simulation at Council Bluffs, said access to state-of-the-art equipment and software allows faculty members to build confidence in new nursing students.

“The sim labs give instructors additional opportunities to introduce new scenarios in a controlled environment that allow mistakes without negative outcomes for their patient,” Hanner said. “Continual support through preceptorship and NCLEX preparation sets our students up for success after graduation and as they enter the workforce.”

Lauren Metayer, a nursing faculty member who teaches at Purdue Global’s simulation lab at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, said VR tools, consistency and building upon previous knowledge are part of the Purdue Global School of Nursing’s efforts to help new nurses grow.

“This endorsement from INACSL justifies the hard work that we do as faculty every day and in every sim, proving that we have what it takes to be an excellent program that produces some amazing nurses,” Metayer said. “Implementing best practices, high-quality scenarios and top equipment set us up for success from day 1.”

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.