With generous support from Ascension and in close collaboration with nurse leaders and technology consultants, the Conway School of Nursing at The Catholic University of America is advancing a long-envisioned initiative through the development of a Virtual Hospital—a dynamic, digital learning environment designed to strengthen clinical decision-making, leadership, and confidence among nursing students and newly licensed nurses.
In this initiative, led by Dr. Sandra O'Brien, The Virtual Hospital provides learners with opportunities to practice prioritizing care across multiple patients with conditions of varying acuity, a critical skill area frequently identified by nurse managers and chief nursing officers as a challenge for new graduates during their early months of practice. Designed to be flexible and scalable, the platform features evolving patient scenarios that progress from stable to increasingly complex, allowing the learning experience to advance alongside the learner’s level of preparation.
During May and June, faculty from the Conway School of Nursing piloted several Virtual Hospital scenarios with nursing students, professional nurses, and student interns at selected Ascension hospitals. Participants reported that the experience offered meaningful opportunities to practice clinical judgment and decision-making in a safe, supportive environment before applying those skills in real-world settings with patients experiencing complex conditions.
Faculty leaders expressed appreciation for the partnership with Ascension’s staff educators and nurse leaders, whose clinical expertise and shared commitment to compassionate, mission-driven care have helped ensure that the Virtual Hospital reflects both clinical accuracy and values rooted in dignity, respect, and the care of the whole person.
As development continues, the Virtual Hospital represents a significant step forward in preparing nurses to meet the demands of modern healthcare environments while remaining grounded in ethical leadership and patient-centered care.