The college now boasts two certified instructors and an internationally accredited simulation program
The URI College of Nursing’s simulation education program offers students hands-on experience in a safe environment, enhancing critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. It is a critical educational tool, and the college now has two professors internationally certified to provide that critical education.
Clinical Assistant Professor Ashlee Sackett has completed requirements to become a certified healthcare simulation educator by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, “the gold standard for simulation evaluation,” according to URI Simulation Education Coordinator Jessica Skalstis, who has previously earned the designation. The certification is a testament to Sackett’s commitment to delivering outstanding nursing simulation experiences for students at the URI College of Nursing.
“Achieving CHSE certification represents a significant professional milestone. It validates my dedication to healthcare simulation and reinforces my commitment to advancing the high-quality educational practices at URI College of Nursing,” Sackett said. “Given our simulation program’s recent international accreditation, attaining this certification directly supports that vital initiative, ensuring we continue to provide the best possible simulation learning experiences for students and effectively prepare future nurses to provide safe and effective patient care.”
Nursing education in the simulation environment provides a safe, controlled space for students to practice skills, refine decision-making, and improve teamwork without risk to real patients, Sackett said. The hands-on, experiential learning is necessary for developing competent and confident clinicians that are prepared for practice upon graduation, and is a key piece of the college’s curriculum.
“This certification is a testament to my commitment to delivering outstanding nursing simulation experiences for students at the URI College of Nursing,” Sackett said. “My drive was significantly fueled by the leadership of Jessica Skalstis, our simulation education coordinator. After achieving her own CHSE certification, Jessica encouraged URI CON simulation faculty to pursue this same credential, ensuring we collectively foster and uphold the highest standards and best practices in our program.”
The success of the URI program has been recognized internationally, earning accreditation for the next five years from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, which aims to improve performance and reduce errors in patient care through the use of simulation around the world.