By Pareasa Rahimi
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Blazer Simulation has been endorsed by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning through 2028. The Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement is designed to recognize health care organizations and educational institutions for applying the simulations standards of prebriefing, debriefing, facilitation and professional integrity in their educational simulation programs.
“Earning this endorsement reflects our team's dedication, continuous quality enhancement and adherence to the INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice,” said Professor and Associate Dean for Technology and Innovation Penni Watts, PhD, RN, CHSE-A, FNAP, ANEF, FSSH, FAAN (PhD 2015). “It also underscores our strong commitment to evidence-based practice, faculty development and delivering high-impact learning experiences for our students."
Blazer Simulation features a state-of-the-art simulation space with five simulation rooms and a fully equipped nurse’s station. Students build knowledge and essential skills to provide quality patient care by participating in realistic scenarios, from basic patient care to emergency events, using high-tech manikins and live patients. Simulation also is central to nursing education as outlined in the new American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials.
“This milestone comes at a pivotal time as we prepare to launch a new curriculum across both graduate and undergraduate programs to align with the AACN Essentials,” said Assistant Professor and Distance Simulation Coordinator Tracie White, DNP, CRNP, ACNP‐BC, CNOR, CRNFA (MSN 2010, DNP 2017). “With simulation playing an integral role, we’re excited to grow our support systems and continue delivering meaningful, standards-based simulation experiences.”
This recognition is one of several recent honors for the Office of Technology and Innovation. Last year, members of the office received the INACSL Frontline Simulation Champion Excellence Award. The Blazer Simulation also received accreditation through 2029 from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare in the areas of teaching and education.
The School will be recognized at the INACSL Annual Conference in June.