VR Training for Nursing: The Future of Education & Learning
VR training for nursing is changing how nurses and nursing students learn. It offers a more visual, immersive and an exciting new way to learn and practice skills. A study showed that nursing students who trained using VR experienced knowledge improvement in a short period of time compared to those who only had traditional clinical training.
Virtual reality training is on the rise in healthcare, especially for nurse training.
In this article, we will illustrate how VR training for nursing education is easier, more efficient, and more accessible. We will also introduce InvolveXR, Lumeto’s customizable VR training for nursing platform.
How Virtual Reality is Used in Nursing Education
Virtual reality (VR) allows nursing students to experience real-life scenarios in a safe, controlled environment.
Nursing students can make decisions, see the outcomes, and learn from their mistakes without risk to actual patients.
Simulation of Clinical Scenarios
In VR training, students go through various scenarios and must make choices on the care they provide to patients, all without actually being in high-risk environments.
Here are some key areas where VR training is particularly beneficial:
- Emergency Nursing
- Geriatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Obstetric Nursing
Lumeto’s InvolveXR is a comprehensive platform for VR training for nursing. It immerses students in realistic clinical scenarios where they are exposed to a variety of skill development, including standardized assessments, communication, and critical decision making on patient care, all within a safe and controlled environment.
A nursing student who has practiced handling a critical patient scenario multiple times in VR will be better prepared when encountering a similar situation.
Patient Interaction and Communication
Traditional education methods often involve role-playing standardized patients or instructors, which can be helpful but also limited. In VR training for nursing, students can practice speaking with patients and responding to emotional reactions in a safe environment.
With Lumeto’s InvolveXR, the integration of GenAI makes the patient communication even more seamless and realistic. None of the responses are pre-configured or menu-driven. Nurses and nursing students can train in detailed simulations where they interact with virtual patients, making critical decisions based on real-time responses.
Skill Development and Assessment
At Lumeto, we recognize that every program has different learning objectives and assessments.The assessment capabilities on Lumeto’s InvolveXR have been designed so that educators can design their own checklists, listing each action students need to perform and assigning different weights based on their importance. Educators can also design these custom checklists using our AI-assisted evaluator. It helps instructors in automating checklist check-offs based on what the nursing learners say and do in the clinical scenario. These can also be used for insightful formative and summative assessments and debriefs. This saves a lot of time for faculty and provides the learners with an insightful engagement.
The video below illustrates how VR training allows educators to create customizable assessment checklists tailored to their curriculum needs.
InvolveXR training also supports competency mapping. Each action in the checklist is linked to specific competencies, ensuring a structured and comprehensive approach to skill development.
Moreover, VR training for nursing on a versatile platform like InvolveXR integrates learning objectives using educational frameworks like Bloom’s Taxonomy, making the learning experience adaptable to different learners and learner groups.
Collaborative Learning and Teamwork
Interprofessional education and training is important for healthcare, where most critical scenarios are handled by cross-disciplinary teams. Experiential learning to build this interprofessional collaboration and communication is vital but limited to simulation centers today. Let’s imagine a scenario in which a patient is experiencing a medical emergency. With Lumeto’s InvolveXR VR training platform, a group of students can step into a virtual simulation and work together to stabilize the patient from anywhere, anytime, and with very little space requirement.
Each student is assigned a specific role, such as a nurse, doctor, or respiratory therapist. They must communicate effectively and coordinate their actions to provide the necessary care.
Lumeto brings this scenario to life in the video below, where you can see students applying their knowledge and skills in a realistic yet controlled environment.
Team-based collaboration is needed for intubation, which is usually done by an interprofessional team of doctors and nurses. A study conducted by the American College of Chest Physicians on VR-based training using InvolveXR showed how effective VR training for nursing can be. 100% of the learners were able to use crew resource management principles to effectively utilize an airway management team, maximizing success and patient safety during intubation.
Remote Learning and Accessibility
VR technology breaks down barriers in nursing education by making learning more accessible and flexible.
This level of accessibility is particularly beneficial for students who may not easily access clinical training sites due to geographic or logistical constraints.
Asynchronous and Synchronous VR Nursing Simulations
In VR nursing education, two types of simulations typically exist: asynchronous and synchronous. Both types offer unique benefits and can be tailored to fit different learning needs and schedules.
Lumeto’s InvolveXR VR training platform for nursing provides both options for educators to choose the best training approach.
Asynchronous VR Training
Asynchronous simulations are training sessions that students can complete on their own time. Students wouldn’t need real-time interaction with instructors or classmates.
These simulations are pre-recorded or pre-programmed scenarios that students can access and complete independently.
Benefits of Asynchronous Virtual Reality Training for Nursing
- Students can go through scenarios at their own pace.
- Flexible scheduling allows students to train at any time.
- Ideal for revisiting and mastering complex procedures.
- No need for instructors to be present, freeing up resources.
Synchronous VR Training
Synchronous simulations involve real-time interaction between students and instructors or between peers.
These live sessions allow students to participate in VR scenarios together, communicating and collaborating as they would in a real clinical setting.
Benefits of Synchronous Virtual Reality Training for Nursing
- Real-time interaction with instructors and peers.
- Immediate feedback and guidance from instructors.
- Encourages teamwork and communication skills.
- More closely mimics real-life clinical situations.
Combining Asynchronous and Synchronous VR Training Methods
Educators can use both asynchronous and synchronous simulations to create a well-rounded training program through a learning loop. InvolveXR exemplifies this integrated approach with single-learner and multi-learner experiences.
By adopting this mixed method, institutions can provide a flexible, thorough, and engaging learning experience that prepares nursing students for the complexities of real-world healthcare.
Benefits of Virtual Reality in Nursing Education
VR training for nursing is not about replacing traditional training methods. It’s all about enhancing them.
Here are some key benefits of integrating VR into nursing education.
Improved Knowledge Retention
VR provides immersive, hands-on experiences that engage multiple senses and create a realistic learning environment. Students actively involved in simulations that mimic real-life scenarios are more likely to remember and apply what they have learned.
For instance, the learning outcome of InvolveXR training demonstrates that 100% of learners exhibited self-efficacy in using crew resource management principles. A study presented to the Registered Nurses’ Association of OntarioTMU found that immersive virtual reality in nursing training was effective for helping students gain knowledge and confidence for handling emergencies in clinical settings.
Increased Student Engagement
VR technology significantly boosts student engagement in nursing education by making learning interactive and immersive. According to a study by the American College of Chest Physicians, although 56% of learners had never tried VR before, 73% of participants found it easy to role-play an intubation scenario in VR.
Moreover, the study found that 100% of participants understood the steps to take when entering the virtual ICU.
Lumeto’s collaboration with the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) led to the creation of our first VR lesson, CHEST Immersive Difficult Airway Management. This lesson, validated through an IRB-approved study across three institutions, demonstrated significant improvements in training outcomes.
Here’s what Dr. Andres, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, has to say about it:
Greater Accessibility and Flexibility
VR technology in nursing education offers great flexibility and accessibility. Using Lumeto’s platform, students can join training sessions from anywhere, breaking down barriers to learning and making education more inclusive.
Lumeto’s Record and Replay function is also a good example of this flexibility. Students can record their VR simulations and watch them later. This helps them learn from their mistakes and practice their skills. Teachers can also add notes and comments to guide students.
Safe Environment for Practice
VR training for nursing provides a safe environment for students to practice their skills. This is very important because medical errors cause about 250,000 deaths each year in the US alone.
Students can practice medical procedures using VR without risking real patients’ lives.
The safe environment of VR also helps build confidence. Students can repeat simulations until they feel comfortable with the procedures.
Customizable Learning Experiences
VR training technology for nursing offers customizable elearning experiences that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each student.
Students can practice dealing with different patient backgrounds, symptoms, and conditions with customizable scenarios. It ensures that nursing education is dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of healthcare.
The image below shows how educators can create scenario-specific prompts in Lumeto’s InvolveXR platform to describe the patient’s physical and mental attributes.
Enhanced Critical Thinking and Decision-Making Skills
VR training for nurses enhances critical thinking and decision-making skills. It immerses students in realistic scenarios where they must quickly assess situations and make informed decisions.
- Emergency Response: Students practice responding to a patient experiencing a cardiac arrest, making rapid decisions on CPR and medication administration.
- Patient Assessment: Learners evaluate symptoms and history to diagnose and treat a virtual patient with multiple health issues.
- Resource Management: Trainees manage a virtual ICU, making decisions on prioritizing care for multiple critical patients.
Comparing VR Training for Nursing with Traditional Methods
Traditional methods offer valuable hands-on experience but can be limited in scope and realism. VR training, on the other hand, provides a dynamic and engaging learning environment that can significantly enhance the educational experience.
Here’s a closer look at how VR training compares to traditional methods.
Engagement and Motivation
Imagine two scenarios:
- Traditional Classroom: A nursing student sits in a lecture hall, listening to a professor describe the steps of performing CPR. The student takes notes but has no opportunity to practice until they are in a clinical setting.
- VR Simulation: A nursing student puts on a VR headset and is immediately immersed in a high-fidelity simulation of a patient going into cardiac arrest. The student performs CPR, administers medication, and receives real-time feedback on their performance.
Which scenario would motivate and engage more students?
Integration with Curriculum
Many educators worry that integrating VR education into the existing curriculum is challenging. However, VR technology, especially with customizable scenarios, makes this integration seamless and straightforward.
For example, instructors can align VR simulations with the topics and skills being taught in traditional lectures and labs. If a class is focusing on emergency care, VR scenarios can instantly simulate various emergency situations.
VR platforms often come with built-in tools for tracking and assessing student performance. Educators can monitor progress and integrate these assessments with existing grading systems.
Student Preferences and Experiences
Students today are digital natives, often more comfortable with nursing simulation technology than traditional learning methods. VR appeals to their preferences for interactive and immersive experiences.
Many students find that VR simulations make learning more enjoyable and less stressful, as they can practice skills in a low-pressure environment.
For instance, students using VR report feeling more engaged and confident in their abilities after completing simulations. They appreciate the opportunity to repeat scenarios until they feel proficient, which is often impossible in traditional clinical settings.
Challenges and Solutions in VR Training for Nursing
While VR training offers many benefits for nursing education, it also has some challenges. Let’s look at some of them and how they affect the implementation of VR training for nursing.
Technological Challenges
A few years ago, the technology for VR training was less advanced than it is today. This made it difficult to integrate VR into nursing education. However, with the advancements in VR technology, these challenges are now easier to overcome.
InvolveXR solves this challenge by integrating VR for pre-licensure nursing within a week. It requires no instructor or educator time, as it supports asynchronous, self-directed learning and assessments. The product covers crucial competencies, including all NCLEX competencies and AACN Essentials.
In just three hours or nine 20-minute modules, students can build core nursing knowledge on various topics and competencies and become fluent in using VR products.
Resistance to Change
Educators might worry about the time and effort needed to learn new technology. InvolveXR is designed to be user-friendly and requires no instructor time for setup. This allows educators to focus on teaching rather than managing technology.
Students may also feel uncertain about using VR for the first time. We can help them get into the technology by offering introductory modules that build VR fluency. Additionally, showcasing success stories and positive outcomes from other students who have used VR can help build confidence and acceptance.
Cost and Resource Allocation
VR is a cost-effective training solution in the long run. Although the initial investment in VR technology might seem high, the benefits, such as improved training outcomes and reduced need for physical resources, make it worthwhile.
Here are some budget planning tips to help integrate VR training:
- Start Small: Begin with a pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of VR training before a full-scale implementation.
- Seek Grants and Funding: Look for grants and funding opportunities for innovative educational technologies. Many organizations support advancements in education.
- Use Existing Resources: Use existing classroom spaces for VR training to avoid additional costs for dedicated VR labs.
- Collaborate with VR Providers: Work closely with VR technology providers like Lumeto to get customized solutions for your budget and training needs.
How to Design Effective VR Training for Nurses
Well-designed virtual reality healthcare training programs can significantly enhance nursing education by providing realistic experiences that traditional methods can’t match.
For more detailed guidance and personalized solutions, you can always contact Lumeto to discuss how to best integrate VR into your nursing curriculum.
Identify Training Objectives
Training objectives guide the development of your VR training program for nurses. Clear objectives ensure that the training is focused and relevant, meeting the specific needs of your students.
Examples of training objectives include:
- Improve clinical skills
- Enhance critical thinking
- Strengthen communication
- Promote patient safety
Develop Realistic Scenarios
Educators can develop realistic scenarios using Lumeto’s Conversational AI, as demonstrated in the example below.
Lumeto’s platform enables users to create customized patient interactions by defining the patient’s background, symptoms, and conditions.
For instance, you can specify details such as the patient’s social history, chief complaints, and additional information, ensuring that the scenario is both comprehensive and realistic.
Using Lumeto’s Conversational AI, educators can script dynamic interactions between the virtual patient and the student. The platform allows for precise customization of patient responses, including the emotional tone, speed, and pitch of the dialogue.
Evaluate and Update Content
After the initial implementation, educators will gain insights into where students excel and where they may need more support.
Educators should regularly review student performance data from VR nursing simulations. They can examine metrics such as completion times, task accuracy, and the ability to follow protocols. Feedback from students about their experiences can also provide valuable information about the usability and realism of the scenarios.
Based on these evaluations, educators should update the VR content to address any identified gaps. This might include:
- Adding new scenarios to cover areas where students struggle
- Adjusting the difficulty level of existing scenarios
- Incorporating new medical guidelines and best practices
How Lumeto’s VR Training Programs for Nurses Stand Out
Companies looking to implement effective VR training for nurses will find Lumeto to be the ideal solution. With a vast library of pre-built scenarios and simulations, Lumeto provides ready-to-use training modules that cater to a wide range of nursing specialties.
But what truly sets Lumeto apart is the ability to customize these scenarios to meet the specific needs of your practice. Lumeto offers the largest library of immersive learning experiences, allowing you to adapt training scenarios to fit your exact requirements.
From patient types, their conditions, and vitals to medication management and assessment checklists, every aspect of the simulation can be tailored to reflect the unique challenges your nursing staff might face.
Dr. Barry Smith, Director of Medical Simulation at the Department of Medicine, Queen’s General Hospital, NYC, praises Lumeto’s VR training programs for nursing, stating:
“Many platforms have pre-built scenarios. But Lumeto offers us the ability to design a simulation and adapt it to our local practice, which is huge. In addition to that, the hands-on support that I’ve been given has been invaluable.”
Lumeto’s VR training also offers flexibility in how it’s delivered, whether it’s synchronous or asynchronous, remote or onsite. This means that nursing teams or students can train together in real-time or at their own pace, depending on the needs of your institution. Whether your staff is spread across locations or working in a single facility, Lumeto’s VR training adapts to different setups, making it easy to implement regardless of your team’s schedule or location.
What really makes Lumeto stand out is the use of AI-powered characters. These characters respond in real-time to what students do. They show both verbal and non-verbal reactions, making the experience feel real. Instead of pre-scripted replies, the AI adapts, helping students build skills like communication and quick thinking.
Real-World Applications of VR Training in Nursing
Here are some practical examples of how VR training for nursing is applied to enhance education and improve patient care.
Recognizing and Managing Elder Abuse with Elder Abuse Checklist
Using an Elder Abuse Checklist, VR simulations can create scenarios where nurses interact with virtual elderly patients.
For example, in a detailed VR scenario on Lumeto, nursing students encounter a virtual elderly patient brought to the clinic by a concerned neighbor.
Using the Elder Abuse Checklist, students start by conducting a thorough assessment of the patient’s physical and emotional state. Here’s the scenario in action:
They notice bruises on her arms and a general state of neglect in her appearance. Throughout the scenario, the AI-driven patient exhibits signs of fear and hesitation when asked about her living conditions, which are crucial indicators of potential abuse.
During the simulation, students are guided to ask sensitive questions compassionately and non-threateningly. They inquire about Mrs. Thompson’s daily routine, caregivers, and any incidents that might have led to her injuries.
The VR environment allows students to practice documenting their findings accurately and reporting their concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Differential Diagnoses
VR training is also highly effective for teaching differential diagnoses and helping nursing students develop critical thinking and diagnostic skills.
For example, in one of Lumeto’s VR scenarios below, students are presented with a patient with a headache. The AI can alter the situation to simulate various causes, such as ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, tension-type headache, or temporal arteritis.
The AI-driven simulation can dynamically adjust the patient’s condition to reflect different potential diagnoses, such as a panic attack, acid reflux, or cardiac ischemia.
As students interact with the patient, they gather his medical history, ask about his symptoms, and perform virtual physical exams. The AI changes the scenario on the fly, providing different clues and test results based on the chosen differential diagnosis path.
For instance, if the scenario is adjusted to reflect cardiac ischemia, students might find elevated cardiac enzymes and abnormal ECG readings.
Conclusion
Implementing VR training for nursing has never been easier than it is now with Lumeto. Medical trainers can quickly create and customize realistic scenarios that help students gain hands-on experience in a safe, controlled environment. With Lumeto, you can prepare your nursing staff for real-world challenges like never before.
Students are no longer confined to static classrooms or limited by geographic location. With Lumeto’s VR platform, elearning can happen anywhere, anytime.
Want to see how our VR training platform for nursing works? Book a demo today to explore an example of our immersive learning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Simulation Technology
What kind of equipment is needed for VR training for nursing?
For VR training in nursing, you’ll need:
- VR headsets
- Compatible computers or mobile devices
- VR software tailored to nursing education
How safe is VR training for students?
VR training is very safe for students. It allows them to practice and make mistakes in a controlled environment without any risk to real patients. Students can safely build their skills and confidence before working in clinical settings.
What is the role of instructors in VR training?
Instructors play a crucial role in VR training. They:
- Guide students through simulations
- Provide feedback
- Help interpret the results of the VR scenarios
- Customize scenarios to match the learning objectives and needs of their students
How does VR training accommodate different learning styles?
VR training is highly adaptable and can accommodate various learning styles. It benefits:
- Visual learners with immersive environments
- Kinesthetic learners with hands-on activities
- Auditory learners with integrated audio instructions