Overcoming COVID-19 Challenges: Using Remote and Hybrid Simulation Designs in DNP Programs

Simulation is a critical component of nursing and medical education used to teach skills and assess student performance. In March 2020, faculty members-including the authors-at the Grace Center for Innovation in Nursing Education at the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Edson College) simulation programs at Arizona State University (ASU) quickly responded to the crisis presented by COVID-19. Within a few days, all nursing simulations were transitioned from a predominately in-person design to fully online. Maintaining simulation activities throughout the first several months of the pandemic allowed students at Edson College to meet clinical assessment objectives. This transition, implemented in two phases, included a detailed plan of action for all Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) nurse practitioner (NP) objective structured clinical exams (OSCEs). The challenges required innovative planning and flexibility while maintaining the integrity of the OSCE and simulation experience. The methods implemented out of necessity are now an important part of the authors' curricular toolbox, providing options for continued and future educational practice. This paper details the simulations designed and implemented in two DNP programs: the family nurse practitioner (FNP) and acute care pediatric nurse practitioner (ACPNP) programs.