Partnering to maximize simulation-based learning: nursing regional interdisciplinary simulation centers

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Interdisciplinary Partnerships

Background:

• The Upper Rio Grande Texas Schools of Nursing Regional Partnership, comprising UTEP, TTUHSC El Paso, and EPCC nursing schools, sought to expand nursing education.
• Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act supported the initiative under Texas Tech University Health Science Center's purview.
• A collaborative model was forged with four El Paso hospitals: Del Sol, Sierra, University Medical Center of El Paso, and Las Palmas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish four Nursing Regional Interdisciplinary Simulation Centers (NRISC) across El Paso, Texas, in 2009.
• To leverage interdisciplinary simulation centers to enhance nursing education and training.
• To foster synergy between academic institutions and healthcare facilities for improved nursing workforce development.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a regional partnership between three nursing schools and four major hospitals in El Paso, TX.
• Securing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for the establishment of simulation centers.
• Implementation of interdisciplinary simulation-based learning strategies within the established centers.

Main Results:

• Successfully established four Nursing Regional Interdisciplinary Simulation Centers (NRISC).
• Demonstrated an increased capacity to train and graduate more nurses.
• Fostered enhanced synergy and collaboration among educational partners and healthcare facilities in simulation-based learning.

Conclusions:

• The NRISC initiative successfully expanded nursing education capacity in the region.
• The partnership model proved effective in enhancing simulation-based learning and inter-institutional collaboration.
• This innovative approach strengthened the regional nursing workforce pipeline through shared resources and expertise.