How UFV Scaled a VR Simulation Program Across Six Years—and Counting

Key Takeaways:

• UbiSim helps fill critical gaps in pediatrics, mental health, and blood transfusion skills when clinical placements are limited.
• Structured orientation, guided prompts, and debriefing ensure students feel supported and confident.
• UFV has built a multi-semester integration plan, with the goal of using VR across all eight semesters of the BSN program.

Starting With Intentional Integration

UFV’s first step into immersive simulation came with purpose. The initial rollout wasn’t flashy or large-scale. It was focused.

“We started using UbiSim back in 2019 in a limited capacity as a supplement to clinical practice,” Janzen explains. “It wasn’t just about trying something new—we wanted to see how VR could help with some of the challenges our students face in clinical placements.”

Rather than attempting to replicate entire clinical days in UbiSim VR, UFV chose to hone in on high-value skills and scenarios that were difficult to secure in traditional placements.

“We knew we had gaps, particularly in pediatric and mental health placements. Those can be harder to come by or inconsistent. We wanted to make sure students had a way to experience those situations, even if they didn’t get them in person.”

Filling Clinical Gaps with Focused Simulation

As UFV's faculty evaluated where VR could be most impactful, three areas rose to the top. Simulations gave students the chance to practice protocols and decision-making in environments that might otherwise be missed.

“The simulations we use most focus on pediatrics, blood transfusion, and mental health,” Janzen says. “These are areas where placement opportunities can be unpredictable. Students get to practice these scenarios in a safe environment, building confidence before going into real clinical settings.”

And that confidence, she explains, is not just about skill execution—it’s about decision-making.

“VR lets them step into a scenario and think through it on their own. They get to ask, ‘What would I do first? What do I prioritize?’ That kind of reflection is hard to teach in a busy clinical unit.”

Building Confidence Through Scaffolding

One of the defining features of UFV’s success with UbSim VR is its intentional support structure. The faculty didn’t just deploy UbiSim and let students figure it out—they created a framework that supports growth through every stage of the simulation.

“One of the biggest shifts has been how we support the learning experience. We start with orientation so students understand the VR platform. Then, we use scripted peer prompts during the simulations, which help guide students through critical thinking and decision-making. Finally, we follow up with thoughtful debriefing strategies to help students reflect on their performance and learning.”

Growing Toward Full-Program Integration

What started in semesters four and five is now expanding—UFV has a plan to bring UbiSim into every level of the program.

“Right now, students engage with UbiSim in their fourth and fifth semesters, but we’re actively working toward full integration across all eight semesters. That’s the direction we’re heading. We see the value, and we want students to have that continuity throughout the entire program.”

Final Thoughts

UFV’s six-year journey with UbiSim shows what’s possible when VR integration is treated as a long-term investment in pedagogy and student success. With thoughtful design, clear faculty collaboration, and a deep commitment to student learning, UFV has built a scalable, sustainable VR simulation program that’s growing stronger each year.

“We’ve seen how this builds confidence. We’ve seen how it supports clinical judgment. And we’re not done yet. We’re building something that can serve students throughout their entire nursing journey.”