University of West Florida and Santa Rosa Medical Center open new nursing simulation center

Santa Rosa Medical Center and the University of West Florida held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 12, 2024, to launch a new state-of-the-art Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing space located at Santa Rosa Medical Center.

The program is designed for individuals who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree and want to pursue a career in nursing and become a registered nurse. The Simulation Training and Resource, or STAR, Center will provide UWF nursing students with the ability to experience hands-on learning in a safe and controlled environment.

"The STAR Center at Santa Rosa Medical Center represents a collaborative effort to prepare future nurses for the challenges of modern healthcare," said Dr. David Bellar, dean of the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health. "By focusing on hands-on, immersive training, this space empowers our master's-level students to build confidence and competence, ensuring they are ready to meet the needs of patients and communities."

Sim education helps students transition to professional nursing practice by improving communication skills, participating as a healthcare team member, managing complex health situations and understanding interpersonal relations.

"I am proud of our team and this partnership with UWF to bring this program to life in six months," said Mike Nordness, interim CEO, Santa Rosa Medical Center. "It shows the commitment from both organizations to education and healthcare in our region."

The STAR Center provides two simulation suites that closely replicate hospital rooms designed for medical-surgical and critical care scenarios. These suites are equipped with high-fidelity manikins, offering students a realistic, hands-on learning environment. The center also features a medication/supply room, creating a setting that mirrors real-world clinical practice to enhance the training experience.

Each simulation suite includes audio and video recording systems to support debriefing sessions, allowing students to reflect on their performance and improve their clinical skills. The learning lab includes high-fidelity pediatric and adult manikins along with task trainers, giving students opportunities to practice and build essential nursing competencies.

The STAR Center also has a multipurpose room, designed for debriefing sessions and immersive virtual reality simulations, providing students with innovative and dynamic learning experiences.

The registered nursing shortage in Florida is projected to increase from 11,500 to 37,400 registered nurses by 2035 based on data from the Florida Physician and Nursing Workforce report commissioned by the Florida Hospital Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida. Partnerships, like this one, aim to help combat this shortage.

For more information about the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, visit uwf.edu/ukcoh.

For more information about the Santa Rosa Medical Center, visit srmcfl.com.