Nursing professor and simulation coordinator receives “Sim Star” award

Carson-Newman University Assistant Professor of Nursing Beau Christian has received an award from PocketNurse.com as the first ‘Sim Star’ since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Pocket Nurse is a leading manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies and equipment for simulation and healthcare education. Christian coordinates C-N’s simulation lab, teaches nursing fundamentals and leads the Nursing Department’s social media.

Before coming to C-N, he worked as a Pediatric and Adult Level 1 Trauma Emergency Room nurse. “I came to C-N fall of 2019 from California. I am a registered nurse, a family nurse practitioner, and I am completing my doctoral degree in nursing practice,” Christian said.

Christian is also coordinator of the University’s simulation lab, which allows nursing students to practice the skills they will need during real-life scenarios by creating realistic environments for them to perfect their skills. “SIM is the place to make mistakes. I hope through SIM to facilitate growing a student’s confidence while also developing their efficient and safe care,” he said.

Christian not only enjoys when students have that ‘eureka’ moment in the lab, but also embrace the struggle.

“Struggling in the sim lab is an opportunity to come alongside students to support their self-efficacy and problem-solving abilities, while growing their epistemology and worldviews, which students can then draw upon in future situations,” Christian said.

Dr. Lana Spence, Nursing Department chair and assistant professor of nursing, said the department is extremely proud of its colleague’s recent recognition. “He has a passion for simulation and is constantly working to provide students with a learner-focused, realistic environment to grow their critical thinking skills and reduce anxiety,” Spence said.

Spence added the recognition is well-deserved and is reflective of C-N’s commitment to excellence in nursing education. “The simulation experience helps fill gaps that students cannot be guaranteed to encounter in the traditional clinical setting, but will almost certainly encounter in practice,” she said.

The University plans for new simulation labs as part of the future Drama and Ted Russell Center now under construction. The 48,000 square-foot facilty will be the home to C-N’s Nursing Program and will also include additional classroom space, health assessment labs and general skills labs, a food service area, multiple student lounges, collaboration areas, as well as a covered outdoor terrace. To learn more about the project, visit: acorns-oaks.cn.edu