Alberta’s Bow Valley College is leading the way in transforming traditional nursing education with advanced technology. Life-like mannequins like Alex in the simulation lab are equipped with breathing, blinking, and speaking capabilities, providing practical nursing students with a realistic learning experience. With job vacancies for licensed practical nurses on the rise, colleges and universities are adapting to provide students with the necessary training opportunities. Bow Valley College utilizes various teaching methods, including simulation labs, virtual reality sets, and AI-enabled mannequins, to enhance the learning experience for students.
One student, Samantha Myles, credits the combination of in-person learning and technology at Bow Valley College for boosting her confidence as she transitions from student to nurse. The college’s comprehensive approach, which replaces up to 30 percent of clinical hours with simulation labs and virtual reality, is helping students like Myles feel more prepared for real-life scenarios at patient bedsides. By incorporating advanced technology into their nursing programs, Bow Valley College is ensuring that future nurses are well-equipped to meet the demands of a tech-driven healthcare environment.
The introduction of a virtual reality platform at Bow Valley College, in partnership with ICOM Productions, has revolutionized nursing education. Students are now able to engage in immersive learning experiences in the simulation environment, rather than simply assessing healthy classmates or waiting for patients with conditions during clinical placements. According to Clare Howland, Clinical & Simulation Program Chair at Bow Valley College, technology plays a crucial role in preparing nurses for the use of electronic health records, electronic medical carts, and healthcare apps on phones. With a province-wide shortage of nurses and a lack of mentorship opportunities for new nurses, technology fills the gap and helps students get the necessary clinical hours required for graduation.
With Bow Valley College leading the digital revolution in nursing education, program leaders hope that their innovative methods will be adopted across Canada. As students increasingly rely on technology in the workforce, the use of simulation labs, virtual reality, and AI-enabled mannequins is becoming more crucial in nursing education. By providing students with a safe, risk-free environment to learn and practice their skills, colleges and universities are helping to address the current shortage of nurses and ensure that future healthcare professionals are well-prepared for the challenges of a rapidly evolving healthcare industry.
