In an era where virtual reality is transforming healthcare education, Peer-Led Simulation (PLS) is redefining how nursing students learn — and teach. This innovative model, implemented at Cal State Los Angeles with support from SimX, empowers advanced students to guide their peers through immersive VR scenarios. By shifting part of the facilitation role to learners, institutions can scale simulation programs, overcome faculty limitations, and foster leadership among future nurses. In this article, discover how PLS bridges technology, pedagogy, and collaboration to create a more dynamic, accessible, and impactful approach to nursing education.
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While virtual reality (VR) simulations are gaining traction in nursing education, they still require dedicated resources and faculty to facilitate them. For some institutions, that’s where Peer-Led Simulation (PLS) comes in.
PLS has emerged as an innovative and scalable solution that maximizes existing resources, enhances learning outcomes, and develops leadership skills in nursing students at any level. This approach offers an accessible and effective alternative to traditional simulation methods.
The Beginning of a PLS Program
Kendal Bailey, Director of Educational Services at SimX, recently joined Joseph Kastely, Simulation Director at Cal State Los Angeles, at INACSL 2025 to discuss a new training course that focuses on peer-to-peer education in nursing simulation.
As more institutions seek flexible clinical learning methods, immersive, in-headset virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a proven and effective tool. However, integrating this technology often faces faculty barriers, including a lack of time, inadequate training, and a lack of comfort with new technology.
At Cal State LA, Joseph Kastely found a creative solution to these challenges: using students as moderators. This approach leverages students’ enthusiasm and engagement to facilitate VR sessions, enabling a seamless integration of this game-changing technology.
What is Peer-Led Simulation (PLS)?
PLS is a learning model in which upper-level nursing students are trained in VR simulation pedagogy, allowing them to facilitate learning experiences for their undergraduate peers. Peer facilitators work under the supervision of a faculty content expert who provides a didactic training course that includes exploring different modalities (VR and manikin-based simulation), pre-briefing, moderation, and debriefing techniques.
At Cal State Los Angeles, students work in teams to develop and facilitate one scenario they own throughout the training course. They implemented a “see one, do one, teach one” approach to simulation training, pairing students with experienced fellows before they led sessions independently. This training course provides support for autonomy and guidance to student facilitators as they learn from faculty and align with best practices in simulation.
Want to learn more? Explore the resources and references shared at the end of this article and connect with the SimX educational services team today!
Why Peer-Led Simulation is a Game-Changer
- Scalability and Resource Efficiency: The PLS model addresses the limitations of faculty time and technology comfort. It offers a flexible and scalable solution to meet the growing demand for simulated clinical experiences.
- Benefits for Learners: Through PLS, learners have increased access to VR simulation in a lower-stress learning environment. This builds confidence in skills and critical thinking, as learners can access peer support that helps learning tools become more accessible.
- Benefits for Facilitators: More advanced nursing students who become trained facilitators benefit from a deeper understanding of nursing content and clinical judgment. They also have the unique opportunity to practice leadership and mentorship in a positive and valuable learning experience that enhances their own knowledge of the material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you thinking about incorporating peer-led simulation into your curriculum? This section answers some of the most common questions about implementing this innovative teaching method.
With peer-to-peer facilitation, do we still need faculty to help run VR Simulation?
Yes, faculty are still essential. Under this learning model, students on both sides of the facilitation process still need training and mentorship from faculty members. Peer-to-peer learning isn’t about eliminating or replacing faculty; it’s about providing students with an effective opportunity to build various vital skills and competencies alongside their peers.
How can a student effectively run a simulation?
To be effective, student facilitators are often given low-complexity scenarios to build their moderation skills in one straightforward case that they essentially “own.” Student facilitators are never asked to engage with scenarios that exceed their skill level or are far outside their specialty. Owning a low-complexity case gives learners on both sides an excellent opportunity to repeat and reiterate the simulation until it’s thoroughly mastered.
In peer-to-peer simulation education, how do we align with the Board of Nursing standards?
Some may worry about aligning with nursing standards that prohibit using peer work as official clinical time. Educators can address this by setting clear standards for prebriefing and debriefing to meet specific simulation requirements. It’s also crucial for educators to establish clear goals with student facilitators for learner safety and content-related debriefing.
Can peer-to-peer facilitation really be as effective as traditional simulation teaching models?
Peer-to-peer facilitation is simply another way to expand and grow your simulation program. It is not necessarily a replacement for models that are already beneficial to your learners, but instead should be considered a tool to explore alternative learning methods that can greatly benefit both advanced and novice learners.
SimX and Peer Facilitation
SimX’s accessibility and affordability make our system uniquely suited for educators and facilitators to leverage peer-led simulation.
- Fully Customizable: The SimX system can be adapted to fit your simulation needs. SimX supplements and enhances your current simulation curriculum. SimX can be used in many different ways; there is no singular way to be successful!
- Immersive & Realistic: SimX scenarios are designed to be true-to-life patient interactions within an immersive virtual world. Learners can communicate seamlessly with virtual patients and their families. They can receive verbal and nonverbal cues and respond in real-time without the distraction of drop-down menus. With SimX, learners can navigate each virtual patient encounter as they would in real life.
- Accessible Interface: The SimX moderator interface is designed by clinicians for clinicians. Facilitators can easily navigate through scenario states and patient interactions, adapting to learners’ needs in real-time. Additionally, SimX is continually developing new tools to assist moderators in running scenarios seamlessly.
- Intuitive Scenarios: All SimX simulations reflect real-life scenarios with intuitive stages and patient responses. Combined with realistic environments, learners will experience a variety of situations that they may not otherwise be exposed to.
- Educational Support: The SimX team offers comprehensive educational support throughout the entire process. Whether you are just starting or looking to expand your SimX VR simulation program, our expert educators will guide, mentor, and advise at every critical stage. SimX educational resources include extensive scenario guides to help you start your peer-led simulation program.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving landscape of nursing education, Peer-Led Simulation (PLS) stands out as an innovative and effective strategy for integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR), into your curriculum. By empowering advanced nursing students to become facilitators, institutions can overcome common barriers such as faculty time constraints and resource limitations. This model not only makes immersive VR simulation more accessible and scalable, but also provides a dual benefit: it gives learners a low-stress environment to practice critical skills and offers facilitators a unique opportunity to deepen their own understanding and develop valuable leadership abilities.
The collaboration between SimX and institutions like Cal State Los Angeles demonstrates that PLS isn’t just a theoretical concept; it’s a proven, practical approach that enhances learning outcomes and prepares the next generation of nurses for the complexities of modern healthcare. Embracing peer-to-peer models like PLS will be essential for building a more resilient, resourceful, and effective nursing education system.d.
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