Creating a low-cost local academic simulation training course by applying the INACSL Standards of Best Practice: Simulation^SM education

Many academicians wear the title Simulation Educator in the nursing educator roles, yet the tools required to be successful can be expensive. Travel expenses to simulation conferences are in short supply and many simulation training programs can be prohibitive for the academic budget, necessitating the need for local or regional training. This undeniable gap in educating the educator to be successful in simulation can translate to missed standards of simulation practice and mistranslation of the National Council State Board of Nursing published data on simulation outcomes. Most notably in having needed simulation operation structures and training in place before replacing up to 50% of student clinical experiences. In Utah, a consortium of hospital and university educators sought solutions to this growing dilemma and formed the Utah Simulation Coalition. One of the primary goals focuses on teaching the academician how to apply the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) standards in operations locally. Another major aspect of this course is to provide ways of dealing with budgetary issues and finding creative ways to increase revenue. Twenty-one academicians throughout Utah have completed the academician course. Evaluations provided by academicians described the course as extremely helpful to their simulation education needs as well as, “the best course I have ever had”.