Subaward Project

Enhancing Soft Skills in Nursing Education: Leveraging Virtual Reality and Health Literacy Training for Improved Patient Care


The National League for Nursing reports that 54% of nursing students enrolled in Bachelor of Nursing programs are under 25 years of age, a demographic noted for digital fluency but often lacking in essential soft skills, such as face-to-face communication, problem solving, and critical thinking. Despite their comfort with technology, these students may struggle with interpersonal skills crucial for healthcare professionals. Employers and educators increasingly emphasize the need for soft skills, particularly communication, in nursing education. The isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue by shifting focus away from in-person activities and diminishing the development of soft skills, further impacting students' ability to manage stress and engage effectively with patients. In response, Southern Connecticut State University School of Nursing is implementing a program to enhance nursing students' communication skills through the use of Bodyswaps, a virtual reality application that provides immersive soft skill training. Additionally, students will be trained to utilize National Library of Medicine resources, such as PubMed and MedlinePlus, to improve health literacy among older adults in collaboration with New Haven’s Senior Centers. This initiative aims to equip nursing students with the skills necessary to navigate diverse patient interactions and promote healthier outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Awardee

Project Lead: Maria Krol

Demographics

Age Group: Adults (19-64 yrs.)
Roles of Participants Project is Intended to Serve: Educator - College & Post-grad, Student - College & Post-grad

Award Details

Funding Source: Region 7
Project Category: Improvement
Period of Performance: Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
Project Status: Awarded

Project Funding