Simulation Center Earns Inaugural INACSL Endorsement for Healthcare Simulation Standards

The Simulation and Learning Resource Center (SLRC) of the Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing (FCN) is among the first simulation centers worldwide to be endorsed by the International Nursing Association of Clinical and Simulation Learning (INACSL) in their new Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement program. The award was presented on June 17 to SLRC Assistant Director Patricia Prieto, MBA, BSN, RN, CHSE who represented the FCN team at the INACSL22 meeting in Milwaukee.  

The effort was spearheaded by SLRC Executive Director Gail Furman, PhD, RN, CHSE, clinical professor and Professor Bette Mariani, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, vice dean for Academic Affairs.

“This recognition from INACSL reflects the deep dedication we have to nursing education and the science that supports it. Our evidence-based simulation environment has been carefully designed for our nurses and advanced practice nurses to be the best for patients and communities,” says Donna S. Havens, PhD, RN, FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor. “I’m grateful to Dr. Furman, the SLRC team, Dr. Mariani and our faculty for their leadership, as well as all those who support us in this mission.”

INACSL’s Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice ™ are designed to advance the science of simulation, share best practices, and provide evidence-based guidelines for the practice and development of a comprehensive standard of practice. Endorsement recognizes FCN’s adherence to the Core Four Healthcare Simulation Standards. These include Prebriefing: Preparation & Briefing, Facilitation, Debriefing, and Professional Integrity.

Using patient care scenarios in the SLRC, faculty model and facilitate the development of undergraduate and graduate students' skills of inquiry, clinical judgment and decision-making. Choosing appropriate assessment techniques and nursing interventions based on patient context, students manage the holistic care of patients, families and communities.

Dr. Furman notes, “I appreciate the effort by the SLRC team to adhere to INACSL’s best practices. We are fortunate to work with some of the contributors to these standards and with highly respected teachers and researchers in the field of simulation methodology.”

For many years, Villanova Nursing faculty have held INACSL leadership positions. Colleen Meakim, MSN, RN, CHSE-A, ANEF, director of the Second Degree BSN Track and former director of the SLRC, has served on the INACSL Standards Committee and contributed to the development of these international best practices. Among Dr. Mariani’s previous positions are president (2018-2019) and co-chair of the research committee and research fellowship with Professor Mary Ann Cantrell, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, director, PhD program. Dr. Cantrell now chairs the Nurse Planners committee, and also previously served as vice president for Research.