University of Maine System Partners with the Center for Medical Simulation to Elevate Nursing Education

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Blog - University of Maine System Partners with the Center for Medical Simulation to Elevate Nursing Education

Boston, MA, and Augusta, ME – The University of Maine System, made up of the University of Maine at Augusta, University of Maine at Fort Kent, University of Southern Maine, and UMaine School of Nursing are nearing the one-year mark of an ambitious three-year partnership with the Center for Medical Simulation (CMS), pushing the boundaries of excellence in simulation-based education. As the largest public higher education system in the state of Maine, the University of Maine System’s effort across these four programs shows a commitment to continuous improvement and student readiness for practice. In collaboration with the Boston-based Center for Medical Simulation, this work significantly increases the competitiveness of the state of Maine’s undergraduate Baccalaureate of Nursing programs compared to its national peers.

This groundbreaking initiative is designed to ensure that students across all four participating campuses receive consistent, high-quality simulation experiences which prepare them to excel in real-world healthcare settings.

Leading this charge is Dr. Shannon Gauvin, Director of the University of Maine at Augusta nursing program, and a graduate of CMS’ intensive Healthcare Simulation Essentials: Design & Debriefing program. She, along with program leaders from the other three campuses, is committed to transforming the way nursing students learn. “Simulation is a cornerstone of nursing education. It allows students to take on the role of a nurse in realistic settings that pose no harm to patients,” says Dr. Gauvin. “We’ve been using simulation for years, but with this partnership, we’re taking our programs to the next level.”

The collaboration goes beyond just standardizing simulation—it is also investing in faculty development. “We know that a skilled facilitator is better able to harness the powerful learning that can happen in simulation,” says Dr. Lisa Heald, assistant professor of nursing at the University of Maine at Augusta. Dr. Heald is spearheading the creation of a new multi-level course designed to train faculty in simulation facilitation and to ensure that all nursing instructors are equipped to deliver cutting-edge educational experiences. Additionally, the partnership enables the programs within the University of Maine system to send up to 60 faculty members to CMS’s simulation instructor courses, equalizing the quality of the learning experience across all instructors and campuses.

“Dr. Gauvin is building a world-class team of simulation facilitators throughout the system,” says Dr. Mary Fey, Associate Director of CMS-ALPS. “She has an unwavering commitment to reaching students across the state, ensuring they receive the highest quality learning experiences. Simulation is a keystone in creating practice-ready nurses who can thrive in today’s complex healthcare environment, and this partnership ensures that nursing students across Maine have access to this essential training.”

The Simulation Fundamentals Lab in Lewiston, ME
The Simulation Fundamentals Lab in Lewiston, ME

About the University of Maine System

The University of Maine system includes seven campuses across the state. Within the system, there are four nursing programs that offer educational pathways at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral level. Each of the nursing programs, University of Maine at Augusta, University of Maine at Fort Kent, University of Southern Maine, and UMaine School of Nursing, provide students with top-tier education, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong industry partnerships to ensure graduates are prepared for success. These nursing programs, known for their rigorous training and high licensure pass rates, continue to lead the way in innovative healthcare education.University of Maine System logo

About the Center for Medical Simulation and CMS-ALPS

Founded in 1993 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the Center for Medical Simulation (CMS) is a global leader in healthcare simulation education. Renowned for its faculty development programs, CMS provides cutting-edge training to healthcare professionals worldwide, helping institutions improve patient safety, team communication, and clinical skills through immersive, simulation-based learning. The Healthcare Simulation Essentials course is one of the most respected programs in the field, equipping educators with the skills needed to deliver high-impact, experiential learning experiences.

The Center for Medical Simulation’s Applied Learning for Performance and Safety (CMS-ALPS) division, is dedicated to improving healthcare performance, safety, and readiness through innovative, applied learning solutions for both healthcare systems and health professions schools.Applied Learning for Performance and Safety (ALPS) Program Logo with image of mountain peak behind text

Contact:

Mary Fey, PhD, RN

Associate Director, CMS-ALPS

mfey@harvardmedsim.org