Clinical Education
Learn, practice, and build confidence in clinical judgement as a nurse.
Every nursing student practices their clinical judgment and skills during their program. At KU, “The Lab” is where nursing classroom learning comes to life.
Our spaces are filled with the technology you’ll encounter on the job to help build real‑world skills in a supportive, hands‑on environment.
Large‑screen monitors, interactive video displays, and flexible practice stations let you learn at your own pace, while receiving coaching and mentoring from instructors when you need it.
You’ll participate in a variety of simulation experiences across KUMC, including interprofessional learning, telehealth practice, and virtual reality, all designed to help you show what you know.
INACSL Endorsed Simulation Center
The KU School of Nursing Simulation Center holds an endorsement from the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). This is a recognition that KU's clinical education meets international standards for high‑quality, evidence‑based simulation education.
Undergraduate Experience in The Lab
As an undergraduate nursing student, you’ll take part in lab and simulation experiences designed to build your clinical judgment, communication, teamwork, and confidence.
In the BSN program, you’ll start by learning essential assessment and psychomotor skills through active, hands-on practice.
As you move into clinical rotations, The Lab continues to support your learning. You’ll return for skill refreshers and realistic simulations that allow you to:
- Apply clinical reasoning
- Strengthen communication and teamwork
- Respond to urgent or unexpected situations
- Experience patient scenarios you might not encounter during clinical placements
Graduate Experience in The Lab
Graduate students use The Lab to develop advanced skills needed for specialty practice. Whether you’re learning procedures, refining assessments, or preparing for clinical rotations, simulation is a key part of the experience.
Family Nurse Practitioner & Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Car eNurse Practitioner students engage in outpatient‑focused simulations with standardized patients to strengthen diagnostic reasoning, communication, and patient management.
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students participate in virtual standardized patient sessions designed to build skills in telemental health and technology-supported communication.
Nurse-Midwifery
Nurse-Midwifery students participate in high‑fidelity birthing simulations — from normal labor to managing emergencies like shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage — as well as standardized patient encounters for primary and reproductive care.
Innovation in Action: Virtual Reality (VR)
As part of your learning experience, you may use virtual reality (VR) to practice skills in immersive, realistic environments. VR offers a safe, low‑pressure way to build confidence and decision‑making skills before entering real clinical settings.
Through VR activities, students can:
- Experience patient encounters from multiple perspectives
- Practice assessment and communication skills in diverse clinical scenarios
- Explore rare or high‑stakes events they might not see in rotations
- Strengthen situational awareness and critical thinking
VR is one more tool that helps you feel prepared, supported, and ready for real‑world nursing practice.
Meet the Clinical Faculty
The Lab is staffed by expert nursing faculty who design and guide your simulation and skills-based learning experiences. They work with you in small groups, offer meaningful feedback, and help ensure every simulation supports your growth as a nurse.
Unique Clinical Learning Opportunities at KUMC
As part of an academic medical center, KU nursing students can tap into resources and centers that can enhance and expand your education.
Explore the
- Zamierowski Institute for Experiential Learning (…but you’ll hear us just call it ZIEL.)
- Center for Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research