Preparing Tomorrow’s Nurses for Crisis: SFU's Fourth Annual Disaster Simulation
Scenes from the Disaster Simulation held on November 14, 2025
The Importance of Disaster Preparedness
Disasters, both human-made and natural, are an ever-present challenge in today’s world. Recognizing the critical importance of disaster preparedness in nursing education, Saint Francis University integrated an innovative teaching strategy into the undergraduate nursing curriculum: the student-created disaster simulation.
Student-Created Simulations: Learning by Doing
This year marked our fourth annual disaster simulation, and once again, students demonstrated exceptional creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. Students were guided through the planning process, which included:
- Brainstorming ideas
- Forming learning objectives
- Reviewing the pathophysiology of disease
- Developing supply lists
- Constructing assessment rubrics
Roles and Responsibilities
At the culmination of the semester, all students actively participated in the simulation. Each student was assigned a role:
- Patient: Portrayed their character with emotional responses and visual cues
- Narrator: Communicated critical information that could not be simulated (e.g., fixed pupils)
- Triaging Nurse: Assessed, prioritized, and treated patients with limited resources, exercising critical thinking and clinical judgment
Debriefing and ICU Follow-Up
Following the community disaster simulation, students participated in a structured debriefing using the rubrics they had developed. They then moved to the Experimental Learning Commons for an ICU simulation, caring for the victims from the disaster scenario. This process helped students:
- Refine disaster management skills
- Strengthen teamwork and collaboration
- Understand the difference between community-based and hospital-based nursing care
Special Acknowledgements
A heartfelt thank you goes to all students and faculty who participated in this year’s simulation. A special recognition to the Saint Francis University Police Department, whose assistance in staging an active shooter scenario added a realistic and invaluable element to the experience.
Preparing Students for Real-World Challenges
Through these hands-on experiences, students are gaining not only knowledge but also the confidence, collaboration skills, and critical thinking abilities essential for responding effectively to real-world disasters.
About the Nursing BSN Program at Saint Francis University
Earn a Prestigious BSN Degree from Saint Francis University - With access to state-of-the-art technology in our Experimental Learning Commons and a curriculum rooted in Franciscan values, our students are prepared to become ethical, compassionate professionals. Faculty dedication and opportunities, such as volunteering in university-sponsored clinics and attending national nursing conventions, help students build skills and connections.