Virtual reality is a hot topic these days, particularly in healthcare education and training – and for good reason.  VR scenarios are helping learners across the lifespan of their careers. From junior learners working on building foundational skills to newly licensed practitioners transitioning to practice to advanced clinicians continuing their education, there’s something there for everyone. The implementation of VR scenarios can provide an immersive and meaningful learning experience that directly impacts learners and ultimately leads to better patient care. Building confidence in n ..read more

‘Tis the season!  Nursing students all across the United States are getting ready for graduation, preparing to sit for the Next Gen NCLEX, and gearing up for the transition to practice.  While a very exciting time, it’s certainly a transition to go from nursing student to practicing bedside nurse.  New nurses need support and mentorship, which is why many elect to move forward in a nurse residency program. And the learning doesn’t stop there (as you likely know!).  Lifelong learning is a hallmark of clinical practice, and with so many new ways to learn, it only makes sens ..read more

At a time when learners are most vulnerable, learning brand new skills, in a whole new world, and likely overwhelmed, it’s the educators who are steering and guiding them along the path to being fully-fledged clinicians.  As educators pioneer new waves of teaching and learning, there’s been a lot of adoption of AI-powered tech like virtual reality. And even if you’re an educator at the helm of it all, implementing an entirely new form of simulation can feel daunting to say the least. Building the roadmap for VR implementation Mapping an entirely new form of simulation into your existi ..read more

The nursing workforce shortage continues to be a global problem. While initiatives are in place, and there is renewed attention on recruitment and retention, other factors need addressing to solve the shortage holistically.  There is a clear decline in the number of students entering or applying to nursing schools in the United States and the United Kingdom. Although the causes of these issues appear to differ, the US and the UK are both facing similar challenges. Exploring contributing factors to nursing student shortages Impacts on US nursing education For example, US nursing school ..read more

Ready to step into the wide world of virtual reality simulation? Need help kicking off your search to find the best VR healthcare company for you? Starting to update or progress an educational or training program can feel daunting. But, with the right partner, it can feel like you’ve got a knowledgeable guide. They will help you find the best solution. Suppose you know you’re searching for VR healthcare companies that can positively impact patients and reduce costs.  Even if you already have knowledge about the potential impact of using VR for education or training, there’s still a sign ..read more

Bringing realistic clinical simulations to life is no small task. Anyone who has been a part of a simulation day knows a thing or two about all the work that goes into it. So many decisions need to be made, schedules need to be aligned, and skills need to be developed – all in such a short time. With simulation-based education, learners can practice skills through a range of modalities, whether it’s working on suturing skills with a task trainer, practicing history taking with a simulated patient, or leading a patient case in virtual reality.  As technology continues to rapidly evolve ..read more

Whether in the classroom or the clinical setting, opportunities for learners to practice skills freely and in a safe environment are limited.  However, replicating real-world clinical scenarios is crucial in preparing students for practice and reinforcing knowledge and skills for clinicians.  This recreation of specific clinical situations is often referred to as ‘simulation-based education’, and has become a cornerstone of nursing education and training.  What makes for a simulation? Recently, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) updated their terminology to provide clar ..read more

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is often a time filled with joy,  love, and anticipation as soon-to-be parents get ready both physically and mentally for a new chapter of life.  While pregnancy should be a time devoted solely to the excitement of bringing in new life, it sadly continues to be a cause for concern in healthcare with the CDC reporting a concerning rise in maternal death rate in the United States.   Rates of maternal mortality were dissected across a range of factors including age and race. For women aged 40 and older, the maternal mortality rate was ..read more

Nursing has seen a shift in recent years that has caused alarm – higher turnover rates, staff shortages, and an increased demand for healthcare professionals have impacted the remaining staff and patients.  It’s significantly financially costly for hospitals to replace lost staff, not to mention the time and resources cost of finding a suitable replacement. With reduced staff and increased workload for remaining clinicians, patient care may also be negatively impacted due to turnover.   According to the 2023 NSI National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report, the aver ..read more

Addressing the Healthcare Training Gap Oxford Medical Simulation (OMS), a pioneer in virtual reality healthcare training, is excited to announce the successful completion of a $12.6 million USD Series A funding round. The investment, led by Frog Capital with follow-on capital from ACF Investors, existing shareholders and strategic partners, marks a significant milestone in OMS’s mission to revolutionize healthcare education, training, and assessment. OMS is dedicated to training the next generation of nurses, doctors, and allied healthcare professionals. With 91% of graduating nurses feeling ..read more