By the National League for Nursing
Patricia L. Ravert, Learning Center and Clinical Simulation Laboratory coordinator for the Brigham Young University College of Nursing, was selected by the National League for Nursing as one of 8 national simulation experts for a special project focusing on faculty development for the use of simulation in nursing education.
The three-year project is designed to “develop a community of nurse educators who can effectively use simulation to promote and evaluate student learning who dialogue with one another in an effort to advance simulation in nursing education,” according to the league.
Ravert ‘s work with human patient simulators began in 2001 when the BYU College of Nursing acquired SAM, an adult-sized mannequin that simulates heartbeat, breath sounds and vital signs that realistically change depending on the improvement or deterioration of the patient’s condition.
“SAM provides hands-on nursing experiences without the stress involved with an actual patient,” said Ravert.
In 2006 BYU acquired a high-fidelity pediatric simulator named Tiny Tim through the generosity of the George S. and Delores Doré Eccles Foundation, allowing students to work with child scenarios.
Ravert’s research focuses on simulated learning and its use in the curriculum as well as student satisfaction with simulator experiences. She oversees simulation scenarios and coordinates with other nursing faculty to determine content that will best augment the course theory and expected clinical practice.
She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing from BYU and her doctorate from the University of Utah.
The cornerstone of the community of nurse educators to be built by the National League for Nursing is a Simulation Innovation and Resource Center that will use state-of-the-art technology to deliver content and provide resources related to the effective use of simulation.
U. S. team members will also serve as simulation mentors to team members from Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Norway and Scotland and will study nursing education in other countries.
Writer: Rose Ann Jarrett
