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.