Three Toronto nursing schools have teamed up to provide their nursing students with skills-building opportunities in practice areas they may not be exposed to during clinical placements. Created by Centennial College, George Brown College and Ryerson University, the virtual hospital simulation games educate students in a safe environment while immersing them in complex, interactive and dynamic storylines that replicate real-life situations. “Even if you don’t get a placement in (a specific clinical) area, you can still get exposure to that area (through the games) and see if it’s something you do well at and might be interested in,” says recent Centennial graduate Renee Shugg. The games lead students through a series of decision points, with patients acting out practice scenarios. At each decision point, the user either makes a correct decision and continues, or makes an incorrect decision and views the consequences. When making an incorrect decision, the player is provided with feedback. “Having those simulations before entering that practice area made me better prepared than just reading my textbooks,” Shugg says. (Toronto Sun, Jan. 6)