FSW Launches VR-Based Training for Nursing Students
College programs usually prepare students for future jobs by using textbooks, lectures, and computer lessons. But in nursing, important learning happens when students work with real patients, and mistakes can have serious results.
Florida SouthWestern State College opened a virtual reality lab so students can receive hands-on training without working with real patients. The lab allows students to practice in simulated hospital scenarios that mirror everyday care.
The college debuted the lab at an event where teachers and students explored the new training space. At the event, Gulf Coast News anchor Alex Howard donned a virtual reality headset to experience how the system functions.
In the lab, students enter pretend hospital rooms and perform tasks such as checking on patients and performing simple medical tasks. The virtual rooms are made to look and work like real hospitals.
Registered nurse Olnise Exavier also tried out the system. She pointed out that this new technology is different from the older training she had, which used computer programs rather than letting students feel like they were really there.
Lab manager Mon Navarro explained that students can participate or observe, with actions shown on a screen for feedback and a checklist for evaluation.
The college’s nursing leaders plan to use this technology as part of regular training. Groups of students will come in for scheduled sessions, and each student will be graded on their performance in the practice scenarios. The results will be reviewed to determine areas for improvement.
The system supports other subjects, enabling students from various fields to practice real-life scenarios safely. Students demonstrated confidence as they went through the technology-based scenarios, though some made errors during the exercises.
The virtual reality lab is meant to let students practice in lifelike situations before they enter real hospitals, where they might have to deal with emergencies or other stressful situations.
