VR Simulation Technology Offers New Nurse Training Opportunities

The senior care industry faces a significant nursing shortage, and the increasing aging population means senior care communities will see heightened demand in the coming years. Nurses play a critical role in senior care, and the future of the industry depends on equipping new nurses with high-quality education and training.

Virtual reality (VR) simulation is emerging as a powerful tool to meet this need—delivering scalable, efficient training for both new nurse onboarding and ongoing professional development. By enhancing clinical readiness and expanding access to education, VR is helping to address the nursing shortage in meaningful ways.

The Benefits of VR Nurse Training

Dr. Christine Heid, nursing simulation specialist at UbiSim

Dr. Christine Heid, a nursing simulation specialist at UbiSim, describes the platform as an immersive training tool built on real-world clinical scenarios. These simulations are designed to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, helping nurses build confidence and competence in a safe, controlled environment.

“During training, learners are guided by their nurse educators and placed into realistic patient care environments where they can assess patients, make decisions, and take action—all in a safe space to learn and grow,” she says. The platform features built-in feedback and support tools, and educators are able to tailor the scenarios to focus on certain learning objectives or real-world challenges that nurses encounter.

The technology offers novice nurses a safe, low-risk environment to practice essential skills—building both competence and confidence. “In UbiSim’s most recent report, we found that 42 percent of nurses consider quitting in their first year, largely due to feeling unprepared to handle real-world scenarios,” explains Dr. Heid. “In senior care, nurses are often present during some of the most vulnerable and emotional moments of a person’s life. With simulation, nurses can walk through these scenarios in advance—having practiced the hard conversations, the quiet comfort, the urgent decisions—so when they’re needed most, they’re not facing it for the first time.” Thanks to having practiced these situations, nurses are better prepared to support residents and their families, including on their hardest days.

VR technology also offers the benefit of being able to prepare nurses for challenges they might not regularly see. For example, VR training can help nurses practice managing aggressive patients or navigating complex ethical scenarios. While these situations can be difficult to replicate in traditional training, they can be practiced in VR scenarios.

VR simulation training is particularly well-suited to senior care nurses. Senior care nurses face incredibly challenging environments, whether caring for residents with dementia or providing end-of-life support. “VR offers a flexible and compassionate way to support these caregivers,” Dr. Heid says. Since the training is available on-demand, nurses can revisit their essential skills, practice new procedures, or prepare for high-stress situations without the pressure of providing real-time care.

“It’s especially valuable for continuing education because it shortens onboarding, strengthens confidence, and gives nurses the tools they need to feel prepared,” she explains. “In senior care communities where staff retention and patient safety are deeply connected, that kind of support can make all the difference.”

How One Practice Is Using VR Nurse Training

Marcus Kubichek, director of innovation at Monarch Healthcare Management

Marcus Kubichek, director of innovation at Monarch Healthcare Management, explains that UbiSim’s VR technology has proven to be highly valuable in training and upskilling the practice’s nurses. “We’re always looking for ways to enhance our practice, and like many forward-thinking organizations, that often means exploring new technology,” he says.

The technology has been a valuable tool providing nurses with a safe space to learn, refresh their skills, and build confidence. “Some of our most experienced nurses became our most enthusiastic users—a clear sign that the platform resonates across generations and skill levels,” he explains. Additionally, Monarch Healthcare Management reviewed nurse feedback to inform how they use the platform internally. This feedback also helped shape simulations focused on caring for older adults.

“The ROI of VR nursing training isn’t just about immediate results,” says Kubichek. “It’s a strategic investment in workforce readiness and innovation.”

How Senior Care Communities Can Implement VR Nursing Training

Dr. Heid recommends that senior care communities look for a VR training program that meets the needs of their specific facility, and not just those of any facility. “That means more than just checking boxes for immersive technology,” she says. “It means choosing a solution aligned with national nursing standards, like the AACN Essentials or the NCLEX, and that creates realistic clinical experiences that truly prepare nurses for the floor.”

Flexibility is key to a quality platform. Consider whether a platform allows you to tailor the trainings to your resident population, such as dementia care, managing behavioral changes, or other common challenges.

Be prepared for a learning curve, too. While staff might be initially hesitant to try VR, feedback that Dr. Heid has received indicates that adoption grows quickly once staff members see how intuitive and impactful the platform is. Facilities should also ensure that staff have the time and space necessary to engage with the training, including getting comfortable with the tool and having enough time to experience and repeat the simulations.

Dr. Heid recommends that communities start with a clear goal for using VR training, such as onboarding new staff faster, improving patient and family communication training, or giving staff expanded access to ongoing education opportunities. “Then, choose a partner that will support your rollout from start to finish,” she explains. For example, UbiSim offers onboarding, customer support, and help with curriculum integration.

“It’s also helpful to involve your staff early on—get feedback, create champions, and build buy-in,” she says.

Given the staffing challenges the industry faces, it’s more important than ever to support new nurses and to provide current staff with continuing education opportunities. VR technology doesn’t replace traditional education and training systems, but it can be a valuable complement.

Paige Cerulli

Paige Cerulli is a contributing writer to i Advance Senior Care.