SIRC Tools and Tips
NLN-Created Resources
Simulation Design Template
Revised February 2023.
Looking for an easy-to-use simulation design template? The NLN Simulation Design Template is available for use, provided that the SIRC information remains intact in the footer.
Download the Guided Debriefing Tool (Word) referenced in the template
NLN Guide for Teaching Thinking
This guide offers structured, guided questions designed to support learner thinking based on context, content, and course objectives.
NLN Sim Leader Projects
The NLN Leadership Development Program for Simulation Educators is designed for mid-career simulation educators who aspire to leadership roles in simulation. Throughout the yearlong program, participants develop individual or collaborative projects focused on advancing simulation initiatives in nursing education and practice.
This section features selected Sim Leader projects with resources that are currently available for download and use. Additional projects completed by prior cohorts are available on the Archived Sim Leader Projects page.
Healthcare Simulation Prework Form
Cohort: 2025
Project Team:
- Ciara Berry DNP, RN, CHSE
Project Summary:
The Healthcare Simulation Prework Form (HSPF) was developed to help learners prepare cognitively and emotionally for simulation-based experiences. The student and faculty forms provide a structured approach to assigning and organizing prework that supports clinical judgment, psychological safety, and achievement of simulation learning objectives.
RNovating the Classroom
Cohort: 2023
Project Team:
- Will Brewer, PhD, RN, CEN, CHSE
- Cynthia Garrett, MSN, RN, CHSE, CNEcl
- Hannah Hogg, MSN, RN, CHSE
- Colleen King Goode, DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, CNE
- Megan Stuffle, DNP, RN, CMSRN, NPD-BC, CNE
Project Summary:
This toolkit provides practical guidance for incorporating simulation strategies and technologies into didactic nursing education. It supports faculty in planning, developing, and implementing engaging classroom learning experiences that extend simulation beyond the traditional lab environment.
Project Files:
Social Determinants of Health Crosswalk (SDOH-C)
Cohort: 2023
Project Team:
- Samantha Keck, MS, RN, CHSE
- Amanda Rohde, DNP, CRNP, AGPCNP-BC, CNE
- Rachael Olson, MSN-Ed, RN, CHSE, RNC-MNN
- Kimberly Guard, MS, RN
- Megan Foshee, MSN, MPA, RN
Project Summary:
The Social Determinants of Health Crosswalk (SDOH-C) helps educators evaluate and strengthen the integration of social determinants of health within simulation curricula. The tool supports purposeful incorporation of SDOH concepts into simulation experiences to promote socially responsive nursing education.
Operationalizing Extended Reality Toolkit
Cohort: 2022
Project Team:
- Stephanie Justice, DNP, RN, CHSE
- Adriana Rumoro, MEd, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, LSSGB
- JoAnn Tingum, MSN, RN, CHSE
Project Summary:
This toolkit defines key extended reality (XR) concepts and provides a framework for integrating XR technologies into nursing education and practice settings. It is intended to serve as a foundational resource for programs exploring the implementation and expansion of XR-based learning experiences.
Mindfulness in Prebriefing
Cohort: 2017
Project Team:
- Robin Cunningham, RN, MSN, LNCC, CNE, CHSE
- Jeanne Cleary, BSN, MA, RN
- Marci Dial, DNP, MSN, ARNP, NP-C, RN-BC, LNC, CHSE
- Margory Molloy, DNP, RN, CNE, CHSE
Project Summary:
This resource examines the use of mindfulness practices during simulation prebriefing to support learner readiness and engagement. It includes an overview of the evidence, practical considerations, and recommendations for incorporating mindfulness into simulation-based education.
Project Files:
Affiliate Resources
INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice®
The Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice are designed to advance the science of simulation by sharing best practices and providing evidence-based guidelines for the development and implementation of comprehensive simulation programs.
SSH Healthcare Simulation Dictionary
The Healthcare Simulation Dictionary, Version 3.0 includes a comprehensive collection of definitions that reflect how key terms and concepts are currently used within the simulation profession.
External Simulation Resources
WSSA Implicit Bias Simulation Scenarios - NEW
The Western States Simulation Alliance (WSSA) developed and validated this series of simulation scenarios to support learner exploration of implicit bias, health disparities, stigma, microaggressions, and culturally responsive care. These resources are shared with permission from WSSA.
- Implicit Bias Microaggression Resident Nurse
- Implicit Bias Microaggression PreLicensure Nurse
- Implicit Bias Intro to Bias and Disparities
- Implicit Bias Stereotype Awareness
- Implicit Bias Substance Overuse
- Implicit Bias OB Teenage Pregnancy
- Implicit Bias Substance Use Disorder Stigma
- Implicit Bias Transgender
- Implicit Bias Weight Stigma/Linguistic Competency
Strategic Planning Handouts - NEW
Dr. Kim Leighton has shared a collection of strategic planning resources to support simulation educators. The materials are available in a shared Google Drive folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fvNRJrzpHxCFSPrllNYvnYBYNJ3SDF2w.
The folder includes the following resources:
- Goals Template (Word)
- Overview of Strategic Planning for Stakeholders (PowerPoint)
- PEST Terminology and Template (Word)
- Pillars Strategic Goals Key Performance Indicators (Excel)
- Start, Stop, Continue, Change Template (Word)
- Strategic Planning Process Part 1 (Word)
- SWOT Terminology and Template (Word)