The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) into pre- and post-licensure nursing education is transforming how we prepare future healthcare professionals. One of the most effective VR platforms in this domain is SimX, known for its immersive simulation training that helps learners build critical skills and gain hands-on experience in a controlled environment. However, to maximize the benefits of VR training, proper orientation is essential for nursing students and trainees to the technology. This HealthySimulation.com article by Michael Werner is a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth and productive introduction to VR simulation with SimX.
Step 1: Know The System
A crucial component is for educators and facilitators to become familiarized with the system before they introduce nursing students and trainees to VR simulation. Spend time in the SimX VR platform to explore and understand the features, capabilities, and potential limitations. This firsthand experience will enable one to effectively guide students and address any technical issues that may arise. What to do:
- Explore the VR Environment: Navigate through different scenarios and get to know the controls and interface.
- Understand the Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the VR hardware, including the headset, controllers, and any additional accessories.
- Review SimX Resources: Take advantage of SimX demos, tutorials, and support resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the platform.
Step 2: Make Time
For learners to fully benefit from VR simulation training, dedicated time must be allocated for orientation. This ensures the learners are not rushed and can fully absorb the information and practice using the technology. The allocation of enough time at this step will allow learners to truly understand and become familiar with SimX and team dynamics, which will build upon core competencies. What to do:
- Schedule a VR Orientation Session: Block out time in your curriculum specifically for VR training. This could be a single session or a series of sessions, depending on your needs.
- Minimize Distractions: Ensure the orientation period is free from interruptions sostudents can focus on learning the system.
Step 3: Build an Orientation Program
Now that the educator and facilitator knows the system and have set aside the time needed to properly orient learners to the SimX system, they can begin to build an orientation that meets your needs and works for their students and trainees. Make sure to include SimX’s in-headset tutorial, which is designed to introduce users to the environment. This is a clear, quick, and simple tutorial with both visual and auditory cues to get users oriented to SimX environments. Learners can even complete this independently. Through the tutorial, learners will become familiar with the controls and tools they will encounter in every SimX scenario, which include the ultrasound machine, EMR tablet, checking vitals, and administering medications. What to Do:
- Guide Learners Through the Tutorial: Walk learners through the in-headset tutorial provided by SimX. This will help them learn how to navigate the VR environment and use the controls effectively.
- Encourage Exploration: Allow learners to explore the tutorial at their own pace and encourage them to ask questions and seek clarification as needed.
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Step 4: Explore the SimX Sandbox
The SimX sandbox mode provides a safe space for learners to experiment with different scenarios and tools without the pressure of a formal training session. This exploratory phase is crucial for building confidence and familiarity with the VR system. Allow students and trainees to explore the tutorial and the sandbox on their own time. This provides the learners with a space where they can play and get used to being in a headset before they experience the added pressure of virtual patients in more extensive scenarios. What to do:
- Facilitate Sandbox Time: After completing the in-headset tutorial, give learners time to play in the SimX sandbox. Encourage them to explore various scenarios and tools.
- Provide Guidance: Be available to assist learners as they explore the sandbox, offer tips and answer any questions they might have.
Step 5. Practice
Finally, practice is key to mastering VR simulation training. Encourage learners to regularly engage with the VR platform to reinforce their skills and gain proficiency. SimX virtual patient encounters are repeatable and allow learners to experience hundreds of unique and immersive scenarios in one training platform. Run through scenarios again and again to test learners’ skills and prepare them for real-life patient encounters. What to do:
- Integrate VR Training into Regular Curriculum: Make VR simulations a regular part of your simulation training, so learners have ample opportunity to practice.
- Encourage Repeated Use: Remind learners to return to the VR system regularly to keep their skills sharp and build on what they’ve learned.
- Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback on their performance during VR simulations, helping them improve and refine their skills.
The orientation of pre- and post-licensure nurses to VR simulation training involves more than just the introduction of a new technology. The educator and facilitator can ensure that learners are well-prepared to leverage VR simulations effectively in their education once they thoroughly understand the SimX system, set aside dedicated time, use the SimX in-headset tutorial, promote sandbox exploration, and encourage consistent practice. With the right orientation and support, VR training can become a powerful tool in the development of the next generation of skilled, confident healthcare professionals.
More About SimX
SimX was founded by physicians in training at Stanford, the University of California at San Francisco and the University of California at Los Angeles. They understood that simulation practice and training is extremely beneficial to both learners and clinicians and hoped to use virtual reality to make simulation cheaper and more accessible, to ultimately reduce medical error and increase patient safety.
Seeking to push simulation forward, SimX developed a software system that was the first comprehensive professional-grade VR medical simulation system product available on the market. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, the platform allows medical teams to replace expensive manikins with incredibly flexible simulated patients backed by a robust case creation engine.
SimX’s software allows users to reproduce patient presentations with unprecedented visual fidelity. This virtual patient can be used to represent physical signs and symptoms such as obesity, pregnancy, youth, geriatrics, vomiting, missing limbs, bleeding, and numerous others.
Another feature is the simulation software allows multiple trainees to work around the same virtual patient completely wirelessly. Learners can be in the same physical space or across the world from one another, yet working simultaneously. Able to be set up in less than 5 minutes, the system can turn any space into a simulation center in just moments.
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