The Evolving Role of Simulation in Healthcare Education and Workforce Development, and Why it Matters

In this episode of the Becker's Healthcare Podcast, host Brian Zimmerman speaks with Samantha Smeltzer, VP of Simulation at Orbis Education, about the growing importance of simulation in healthcare education and workforce development. Smeltzer, a practicing nurse and simulation expert, explains how simulation bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world clinical readiness, especially as clinical training sites become more limited and regulated. She emphasizes that simulation provides a safe environment for students to make mistakes, develop critical thinking, and build confidence—particularly for rare but high-stakes events like postpartum hemorrhage or code situations that may not occur during traditional clinical rotations. The conversation also highlights how simulation can be leveraged in recruitment and retention by allowing healthcare organizations to evaluate practice-ready graduates through live simulations, leading to faster hiring and stronger onboarding experiences. Smeltzer stresses the need for greater collaboration between nursing schools and healthcare systems, particularly in the final stages of education, to create more seamless transitions into practice. She advocates for integrating simulation into senior immersion programs and nurse residency partnerships to better prepare new nurses for the realities of clinical work. The episode underscores simulation not just as a training tool, but as a strategic asset for improving patient safety, clinical preparedness, and long-term workforce stability. Key takeaways include the value of simulation in replicating rare clinical events, the importance of debriefing for learning, and the transformative potential of school-hospital partnerships.