Virtual Reality revolutionizes nursing education with Patient Ready's innovative approach
In a groundbreaking development, the commercialization of Virtual Reality (VR) experiences in nursing education is poised to transform the landscape of skill acquisition for nursing students. The integration of VR technology, pioneered by the innovative company Patient Ready, promises to be not only as effective but potentially more so than traditional methods, all at a fraction of the cost.
The brainchild of a collaborative effort between the North Carolina School of the Arts and Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), Patient Ready was born out of a grant from the NC Collaboratory. Under the leadership of Principal Investigators Ryan Schmaltz and Leslee Battle, Chief Nurse Administrator of the Division of Nursing in the School of Health Sciences at WSSU, the project aimed to revolutionize nursing education.
Traditional methods of skill acquisition often rely on high-fidelity manikins, which come with a hefty price tag. However, Patient Ready's VR experiences offer a cost-effective alternative without compromising on the quality of education. Through immersive simulations, nursing students can practice a wide range of scenarios, from basic procedures to complex patient care situations, all within a virtual environment.
One of the key advantages of VR experiences is their ability to provide a realistic and dynamic learning environment. Students can interact with virtual patients, respond to changing conditions, and hone their critical thinking skills in real-time. Moreover, the flexibility of VR allows for tailored learning experiences that can be adapted to meet the specific needs of individual students.
"With Patient Ready, we are not only providing cutting-edge technology for nursing education but also creating a sustainable revenue stream for our division," says Leslee Battle. "This initiative not only benefits our students but also contributes to the advancement of nursing education as a whole."
The commercialization of VR experiences through Patient Ready opens up new possibilities for nursing schools across the country. By offering access to this technology at a small cost, schools can enhance their curriculum and provide students with invaluable hands-on experience without breaking the bank.
As VR continues to evolve and expand its presence in healthcare education, the future looks bright for nursing students embarking on their educational journey. With Patient Ready leading the way, the integration of VR experiences is set to redefine the way nurses are trained, ensuring that they are prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare with confidence and competence.
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.
About UNCSA
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is a top-ranked arts conservatory and America’s first state-supported arts school. The nation’s only public university of five arts disciplines on one campus, UNCSA prepares emerging artists for careers in dance, design and production, drama, filmmaking, and music at the undergraduate through post-graduate levels, as well as through a specialized high school with free tuition for in-state residents. UNCSA provides industry-leading instruction in a safe and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to leverage the arts as a mechanism for change. Interdisciplinary opportunities arising from the unique arts ecosystem on campus at UNCSA prepare artists to enter an evolving global arts and entertainment industry. Established by the N.C. General Assembly in 1963, the School of the Arts opened in Winston-Salem (“The City of Arts and Innovation”) in 1965 and became part of the University of North Carolina System when it was formed in 1972. For more information, visit www.uncsa.edu.
About the N.C. Collaboratory
The North Carolina Collaboratory is an interdisciplinary research entity that partners with academic institutions and state agencies to transform research into practical information for use by State and local government. Since its authorization in statute in 2016 by the legislature, the Collaboratory has stewarded $148 million in appropriations from the N.C. General Assembly, investing in over 400 research projects across all 17 University of North Carolina System campuses and numerous N.C.-based private colleges and universities. The Collaboratory is committed to developing innovative, evidence-based solutions that serve the State and its constituents.
