Adapting Simulation Education During a Pandemic

Nursing education faced unprecedented challenges in maintaining quality clinical and simulation instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies to maintain clinical engagement and meet course objectives included using virtual simulation and safely reopening simulation laboratories as soon as it was possible. When using virtual experiences for replacement of clinical or simulation, it is critical that standards of best practice are implemented. Safely reopening laboratories required plans for social distancing, health screening, personal protective equipment, disinfecting, and educating users on the new protocols. Combining these strategies resulted in delivering quality instruction without interruption during the pandemic.