A Rapid Transition to Virtual Simulation: The Creation of Virtual Simulation Doulas
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Published on: August 17, 2022
Aurora Vandewark1, Carrie Westmorland Miller, Ian Brumbaugh
1About the Authors The first four authors staff the Clinical Performance Laboratory, Seattle University College of Nursing, Seattle, Washington. Aurora Vandewark, MSN, RNC-OB, is the simulation coordinator. Carrie Westmoreland Miller, PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE, IBCLC, is the laboratory director. Ian Brumbaugh, BA, is an administrative assistant. Zoe Haywood, MBSL, is the operations coordinator. A. Tucker Bearden, MS, is past co-chair, Technology Committee, Pacific Northwest Healthcare Simulation Collaborative. For more information, contact Aurora Vandewark at vaurora@seattleu.edu.
Abstract:
Following COVID-19-related closures of clinical and simulation learning sites, a Jesuit college of nursing made a two-week pivot from in-person to virtual clinical learning. In response, the simulation team reinvented their role to provide extensive support in the Jesuit pedagogical tradition. These self-titled "simulation doulas" removed all nonteaching tasks from faculty, remained available for questions and concerns, and became experts on the simulation platforms. The simulation doulas' success in facilitating such rapid transition relied on remaining transparent in communication, anticipating needs, embracing adaptability, and conveying a spirit of empowerment to stakeholders.
