U of R Opens Innovative Nursing Virtual Reality Lab

There’s a new learning space on campus designed to prepare future nurses for the realities of patient care, one immersive simulation at a time.

On Thursday, May 14, the University officially opened the Faculty of Nursing Virtual Reality (VR)Lab with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by faculty, staff, students, healthcare partners, and government representatives.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support future nurses and nurse practitioners by investing in the University of Regina’s new virtual reality lab,” said Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Advanced Education. “Emerging educational technologies like this strengthen training for the next generation of health care professionals, supporting the future care of our residents and furthering Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources Action Plan.”

It gives students the opportunity to experience complex or high-risk scenarios they may not encounter during placements, but will be expected to manage as practicing nurses. — Dr. Robin Evans, Interim Dean of Nursing, University of Regina

Using advanced VR headsets and simulation software, nursing students can now enter realistic clinical environments and practice responding to medical situations, from routine patient interactions to urgent, high-pressure scenarios they may not encounter during traditional clinical placements, but will almost certainly face in their careers.

They can make decisions, learn from mistakes, repeat scenarios, and build confidence.

All without risk to patients.

“This space represents experiential learning at its best,” said University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen. “Here, students can build confidence and develop the skills they’ll need when they find themselves in real clinical environments.”

Keshen also acknowledged the support that made the project possible, including funding from the Government of Saskatchewan and the work of the University’s Facilities Management team in designing and constructing the space.

That focus on experiential learning is no accident.

The creation of the new lab reflects priorities laid out in the University’s recently launched strategic plan, Together, We Serve, which emphasizes student-centred learning, strong community partnerships, and thoughtful innovation.

In many ways, the VR Lab brings those priorities to life.

It also responds to a growing challenge facing nursing schools across Canada – access to clinical placements.

For Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dr. david Gregory, the opening of the lab carries special significance. Gregory previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and has witnessed the program’s evolution firsthand.

“I’ve had the privilege of seeing this program grow and evolve over time, and the opening of this lab reflects that progress and a strong commitment to preparing students in new and effective ways,” Gregory said.

Hands-on training opportunities

As demand for nurses rises, so does competition for limited hands-on training opportunities in healthcare settings. Virtual reality does not replace those placements, but it offers a powerful complement, one that allows students to gain critical experience while reducing pressure on hospitals and healthcare partners.

“The increased use of VR allows for up to 25 per cent of clinical hours in a course to be completed through simulation,” said Dr. Robin Evans, Dean of Nursing. “It also gives students the opportunity to experience complex or high-risk scenarios they may not encounter during placements, but will be expected to manage as practicing nurses.”

The University of Regina’s nursing program is delivered through a long-standing collaboration with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, a partnership that prepares hundreds of nursing students each year through the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Until now, all of the collaborative program’s virtual reality training has taken place at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The opening of the University’s own dedicated VR Lab changes that. It expands capacity, increases access, and gives faculty new opportunities to integrate simulation more deeply into the curriculum.

Learn more about the University of Regina's Faculty of Nursing

It also sends a broader message about the future of healthcare education in Saskatchewan.

Today’s nursing students are entering a profession that demands adaptability, resilience, and strong decision-making skills. The environments they will work in are increasingly complex. Their education needs to reflect that. The new VR Lab helps ensure it does.

For the University of Regina, that is just what the space represents, not just a new lab, but a new reality for nursing education.

Banner photo: The opening of the Faculty of Nursing’s new Virtual Reality Lab marks a new era in experiential learning, allowing nursing students to practise realistic clinical scenarios in an immersive, innovative learning environment. Photo credit: University Communications and Marketing