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WSSU and UNCSA collaborate to create new virtual reality training for nursing students

Winston-Salem State University and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts have partnered to create a new virtual reality training program for nursing students.

The VR training was incorporated into WSSU’s curriculum in late April.

Chancellor Elwood Robinson praised the collaboration in a press release and cited its significance for the school as one of North Carolina’s highest producers of nurses.

The curriculum is experienced through a headset and users will be able to practice techniques and approaches in a simulated clinical environment.

UNCSA’s Dean of the School of Filmmaking Deborah LaVine says UNCSA’s role was to bring something technical to life through narrative storytelling.

“You give us the details and the expertise — telling us what nurses need to know, what the content of training needs to be, and we're really great at fashioning the narrative that can put that into play,” she says.

LaVine adds that the project is highly customizable. “Not every hospital, not every doctor's office, not every clinic needs the exact same information, and they have different practices. And the fact that this can be crafted in a way that suits a particular practice, I think is really remarkable.” 

Funding for the initiative came from a nearly $800,000 grant from the North Carolina Collaboratory.

Bethany joined the staff of WFDD in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University and focused on Anglo-Irish writing. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming Assistant News Director, Bethany was a reporter and Associate Producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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