campus news
Foltz-Ramos named to inaugural class of SUNY Nursing Simulation Fellowship program
Kelly Foltz-Ramos monitors a nursing simulation in May 2023. Photo: Douglas Levere
By CHARLES ANZALONE
Published November 7, 2024
School of Nursing faculty member Kelly Foltz-Ramos has been selected for the inaugural class of the SUNY Nursing Simulation Fellowship program.
Foltz-Ramos, assistant professor and director of simulation and innovation in the School of Nursing, was also named one of two co-conveners who will lead fellows in developing the SUNY Simulation Shared Resource Library, a repository of vetted simulation scenarios, teaching strategies and troubleshooting guides that will be available to nursing simulation professionals across SUNY.
The fellowship empowers UB and other SUNY institutions to further enhance simulation skills and collaborate with other campus fellows. The class of fellows, which includes 10 other SUNY simulation experts in addition to Foltz-Ramos, aims to set the stage for the future of simulation-based learning across SUNY nursing programs.
The fellowship is designed to advance SUNY’s effort to prepare more nurses for New York State’s health care workforce — a major objective of Gov. Kathy Hochul and SUNY.
In May 2023, Hochul signed legislation permitting nursing students to complete up to one-third of their clinical training through high-quality simulation experiences.
Foltz-Ramos says she’s honored to help lead development of a shared resource that will elevate simulation-based learning across SUNY.
“This library will empower faculty with new tools and expand the scope of simulation for students, ultimately preparing them to meet the demands of an evolving health care environment,” she says.
UB nursing student Brianna Churakos (right) watches as simulation coordinator James Cozza checks a "patient's" vital signs during a simulation exercise in May 23 in Wende Hall. Photo: Douglas Levere
Foltz-Ramos calls the fellowship as “an incredible opportunity” to advance simulation education and build a shared resource library “that truly supports our faculty and enriches student learning across SUNY.”
“By collaborating on high-quality resources, we are not only enhancing our programs but also shaping the future of nursing education for all SUNY students,” she adds.
The fellowship, open to full-time SUNY faculty, offers continuing education, conference opportunities and professional development in simulation education while fostering a pool of expertise and best practices within SUNY.. SUNY says the resource library will serve as a “hub for sharing innovative teaching strategies, simulation education best practices and troubleshooting, made available system-wide for SUNY professionals working in simulation spaces.”
SUNY hopes the initiative will ultimately foster effective partnerships of simulation spaces across the system.