Shaping the Future of Nursing Care Through Innovation

Nursing students at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) are stepping into the future of clinical education with the launch of a new innovation lab powered by virtual reality (VR). Supported by a $500,000 investment from the provincial government, this cutting-edge initiative gives students hands-on experience in simulated environments—helping them build confidence and clinical skills before they ever set foot in a healthcare setting.

The program, developed in partnership with UNB’s Faculty of Computer Science and in collaboration with Horizon Health Network and Shannex, includes 14 VR stations and multiple simulation suites. It’s one of the first of its kind in Canada.

Gillian Ferris, a Vice President at Shannex, emphasized the broader impact of this advancement:

“The addition of the innovation lab and extended reality education model will further position UNB Faculty of Nursing as a leader in re-imagining clinical learning to help shape and empower this generation of nurses. These nurses can be catalysts of change in transforming the culture of care for all New Brunswickers, including older adults.”

Supporting innovative education models like this is key to ensuring a strong, prepared, and compassionate nursing workforce—one that’s ready to meet the evolving needs of older adults and communities across the province.