To learn it, live it.

At St. Catherine University, we believe in the value of experiential learning. We’ve invested in the success of our students with a state-of-the-art simulation training and Interprofessional Education (IPE) program. This program is an essential part of the curriculum for all nursing and healthcare students. Robust spaces feature cutting-edge equipment and future-forward technology to immerse students in today’s clinical and fieldwork settings. 

Each space includes control rooms where faculty can monitor simulations, as well as a debriefing room for real-time evaluations and feedback. Our seven dedicated simulation staff and three certified healthcare simulation educators (CHSE) use high-fidelity mannequins, live patient actors, and current technologies to create realistic healthcare scenarios. Students hone their technical skills while learning to work effectively alongside other healthcare professionals in a structured, safe environment.

Consider it dress rehearsal.

Imagine, in a simulated acute care hospital room, nursing students collaborate with respiratory care students to revive a coding patient. A social work student goes into the “home” of a person with mental health and addiction issues. Our physician assistant, physical therapy and nutrition science students meet and confer with actual clients in clinical settings.

Our nursing and healthcare students work through hundreds of intentional simulations and interprofessional activities each year, building skills such as:

• Person-centered care and communication
• Interpretation of patient status
• Clinical judgment and decision-making
• Implementation of interventions
• Care of the patient across the lifespan

Working in teams is not intuitive. It takes engagement with other specialists to practice and improve essential communication skills. IPE happens when two or more professions work together to improve patient care. It is central to our healthcare education, strategically integrated into classroom work, simulation activities, collaborative research and hands-on opportunities. These are the building blocks of teamwork so critical in healthcare today. Learn more, Benefits of Interprofessional Learning in Healthcare.

Together, simulation and IPE can build real confidence.

At St. Kate’s, we’re proud to build on our reputation of providing top quality, well-prepared healthcare professionals and future leaders. The creation of the Institute of Simulation and Interprofessional Learning (I-SAIL), and investment in the highest quality sim and IPE training, furthers that goal by offering our students:

• A broad scope of situations from patient assessments to critical code management
• Innovative technologies and authentic equipment, including high-fidelity mannequins and virtual/extended reality platforms
• A Simulated Patient/Client Actor program
• A rigorous faculty development and continuing education program