A Magnetic Attraction: UbiSim Immersive VR + Nursing Practice Excellence

The ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® symbolizes the highest standard of nursing excellence, honoring healthcare organizations that showcase outstanding nursing practice, leadership, and innovation (Abuzied, et al., 2022). Achieving and maintaining Magnet status involves a rigorous process that requires a commitment to excellence across all aspects of nursing practice.
Magnet hospitals are committed to delivering standardized education on common nursing care delivery and high-risk, low-occurrence situations (Abuzied et al., 2022). A well-designed simulation training program integrating immersive virtual reality (VR) ensures that all nurses are prepared to handle any situation, regardless of their experience level (Culhane et al., 2024).
UbiSim, a virtual reality (VR) platform designed specifically for nurses by nurses, can effectively address several challenges associated with achieving and maintaining Magnet designation through standardized experiential learning experiences that equip nurses with essential competencies necessary to provide high-quality care.
8 Ways UbiSim VR Supports Nursing Practice Excellence
The Top 8 ways that UbiSim's immersive VR nursing simulation can drive nursing excellence and support your healthcare facility's pursuit of Magnet designation.
1. Enhancing Clinical Skills and Decision-Making
UbiSim provides realistic and interactive clinical scenarios, allowing nurses to practice their skills in a safe environment. The immersive VR experience featuring auditory, visual, and haptic feedback helps improve clinical competence, critical thinking, and decision-making capabilities (), all essential in Magnet hospitals.
2. Supporting Evidence-Based Practice
UbiSim simulations can incorporate the latest evidence-based guidelines and research into the training scenarios. Enabling nurses to practice and apply evidence-based principles reinforces the commitment to high-quality patient care that Magnet-designated organizations strive for and patients desire.
3. Facilitating Professional Development
Through its immersive simulations, UbiSim enables ongoing professional development by repeatedly allowing healthcare professionals to practice complex procedures. This continuous learning supports staff competency and confidence, crucial for delivering excellent patient care (Coughlin et al., 2024).
4. Promoting Teamwork and Communication
UbiSim can create scenarios that require interdisciplinary collaboration. Nurses can engage in simulations with other healthcare professionals, enhancing teamwork and communication skills. This aligns with the shared governance model of Magnet hospitals, fostering an environment of collaboration and collective responsibility (ANCC, 2025).
5. Addressing Resource Constraints
UbiSim offers a cost-effective and resource-efficient way to train nursing staff. By allowing nurses to practice various scenarios without the need for physical resources or patients, UbiSim helps Magnet hospitals optimize their educational resources while maintaining high standards of care.
6. Evaluating Outcomes and Performance
UbiSim includes tools for tracking performance metrics and evaluating nursing outcomes during simulations. This data helps hospitals assess their training programs' effectiveness and identify improvement areas, aligning with Magnet hospitals' focus on quality outcomes and continuous enhancement (ANCC, 2025).
7. Streamlining Training and Designation Efforts
UbiSim can facilitate sharing resources and best practices among Magnet hospitals, making it easier to navigate the designation process. By focusing on collaborative training efforts, organizations can streamline their approach and share valuable insights to enhance efficiency.
8. Providing Standardized Education
UbiSim can deliver standardized educational modules covering common nursing procedures and high-risk, low-occurrence situations. This ensures that all nurses receive consistent training, regardless of experience level, helping to prepare them for various clinical scenarios.
By leveraging UbiSim's capabilities, Magnet hospitals can enhance their nursing education and practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes and strengthening adherence to the Magnet principles of excellence in nursing care.
References
Abuzied, Y., Al-Amer, R., Abuzaid, M., & Somduth, S. (2022). The Magnet Recognition Program and Quality Improvement in Nursing. Global Journal on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, 5(4), 106-108. https://doi.org/10.36401/jqsh-22-12
American Nurses Credentialing Center. Magnet model—creating a magnet culture. Accessed March 16, 2025. www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/magnet-model/
Coughlin, V., Bolanos, G., Moran, L., Jacob, A., Stanislaus, M., Maydick-Youngberg, D. (2024). Welcome to the metaverse: Virtual reality in nursing professional development. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development 40(5), 236-241. DOI: 10.1097/NND.0000000000001073


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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