VR Helps Student Nurses Build Real Skills

At the University of North Carolina, a pilot program is testing virtual reality (VR) as part of nursing education. First-year student Emma Brown is one of 111 mental health nursing students using Oculus Quest 2 headsets to complete clinical hours in realistic emergency scenarios.

Developed with Oxford Medical Simulation, the immersive modules teach students how to assess and interact with patients in a professional, supportive way. Instructors guide students through simulations and lead reflective debriefs afterward.

Scenarios include treating an elderly patient with anxiety and a teenager experiencing gender dysphoria and depression. A virtual assistant supports students as they delegate tasks and practice procedures like ordering tests or administering care.

Led by associate professor Elizabeth Stone and funded through a university innovation grant, the initiative aims to address nursing shortages and burnout by expanding access to clinical training through evidence-based simulation practices.

Students say the experience builds skills and boosts confidence.