Let's Get Clinical: A Sim Lab Faculty Perspective

Crucial skills nurses learn begin in the simulation lab. Our accredited clinical simulation center provides students an interactive, practice-based instructional strategy to practice clinical skills in a safe environment. But the center doesn’t run itself. It takes a team of dedicated and skilled individuals to ensure meaningful education can happen. Cristin Whitaker is one such individual. 

We spoke with Cristin about her experiences in the School of Nursing and Sim Center.

UofL What is your role at the UofL School of Nursing?

C.W. I am the Sim Lab Faculty Coordinator at Owensboro Extension. I work with faculty and students to ensure our Owensboro Extension lab is running smoothly for the best learning experiences. I help with all things simulation. I recreate the areas and patients for students to provide nursing care during simulation and try to make it a safe, realistic, and rich learning environment and follow best practices in simulation education.

UofL If you could describe your experience at the University of Louisville School of Nursing in three words, what would they be and why?

C.W.  Fun, because every day is different, challenging me with new puzzles to solve and finding ways to give students opportunities to critically think. I get to use my various backgrounds, technical knowledge and art skills in unique ways that I can’t imagine any other place could combine.  

Community, because I love our team, it is such a joy to work alongside the other faculty and staff here. We care about our students and try to support each other to succeed as faculty and students. 

Which leads me to… Blessing, because when your job is always a fun challenge and you love your job and the people you work with, you can’t help but to feel blessed!

UofL Who has been your biggest influence or mentor at the University of Louisville, and how have they impacted your journey? 

C.W. There are so many people who have shaped me as a nurse educator and simulationist. But if I had to pick the biggest influence it would be Dr. Beth Johnson our previous program director. She found me at the hospital and really took me under her wing to make a nursing educator out of me. I wouldn’t be here without her, and I am so glad she saw my potential when I didn’t know it was there. Now I hope to do the same for other nurses. 

UofL Do you have any advice for prospective students who are considering nursing as their future career? 

C.W. Nursing is fantastic because you can go in so many directions that you can never get bored. There is always something new to learn and grow. It is excellent preparation for life, helped me find my own voice as I cared for people around me, and I always feel useful. 

UofL Outside of nursing education, what are some of your hobbies or interests? 

C.W. I still work a little as a Lactation Consultant, helping breastfeeding families.  I enjoy volunteering at our community theater & school events, cheering for my two kids doing their own music, theater, and sports. I enjoy helping with youth and outreach at our church as well as meeting new people and learning about other cultures by hosting various exchange students. Most recently, I am a new Mahjong player and am always looking to learn new tricks.