A Community of Caring: Integrating Social Determinants of Health into Nurse Residency Through Virtual Reality Simulation
This presentation explores the transformative potential of VR simulations in nurse residency programs.
What to Expect
Discover how immersive VR experiences in SDOH-related scenarios can significantly elevate new nurses' clinical skills, critical thinking, and self-confidence, leading to equitable patient care and improved quality outcomes.
The transition to practice for new nurses is a critical period requiring comprehensive training to address the complexities of patient care. Increasingly, healthcare providers recognize the significant impact of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) on patient outcomes.
This session will explore innovative strategies for integrating SDOH into nurse residency programs using Virtual Reality (VR) simulations. By immersing residents in realistic scenarios that highlight the influence of factors like housing instability, food insecurity, and transportation barriers, VR can enhance new nurses’ understanding of SDOH and develop their ability to provide culturally competent and equitable care.
Attendees will learn how VR simulations can be designed and implemented to foster a deeper awareness of SDOH, ultimately leading to improved quality outcomes and more holistic patient care. We will discuss practical examples, share best practices, and demonstrate how VR can be a powerful tool in preparing newly licensed nurses to address the multifaceted needs of diverse patient populations.
Speakers
Christine Heid, PhD, MSN/Ed, RN, CNE, CHSE
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Dr. Christine "Christy" Heid is a seasoned nursing educator, simulationist, and healthcare advocate with over 20 years of experience. Currently pursuing a post-master's Nurse Practitioner certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing at Maryville University, she is also committed to raising awareness and research funding for Ovarian Cancer. Holding a PhD in Nursing and an MSN focused on Healthcare Education from the University of Phoenix, along with a BSN from Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Christy blends academic rigor with clinical expertise. Her professional journey includes roles as a Nursing Education Consultant, Principal Investigator on a multi-site research project, and various faculty positions at Ashland University and Marion Technical College. Her clinical practice has taken her from large hospital systems and community care centers as a specialist in medical-surgical, oncology, palliative care, and vascular nursing. An advocate for innovative teaching, Dr. Heid has contributed to curriculum development and active learning strategies in nursing education. She serves as the chair of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation Learning Education Committee and is involved with the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing Simulation Committee.
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