Cultivating Leadership Competency Using Virtual Reality: DEI and Anti-Racism

The issues of bias and racism require that nursing students and healthcare leaders are competent and confident to recognize and effectively address situations that arise in the work setting and community. The American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) stated it is the responsibility of all nurse leaders to address issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (AONL, 2023). To meet this challenge, nurse leaders need to develop the knowledge and skills to manage issues of bias and racism. A 360-degree immersive virtual reality (IVR) simulation was created to provide graduate nursing leadership students and nurse leaders in the health system (n=36) with the opportunity to learn and practice these skills in a safe environment. Effectiveness and acceptability of the IVR simulation were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively through participants’ subjective evaluation of their IVR experience, awareness, and confidence to identify and address bias and racism. This innovative simulation demonstrated that the IVR education was impactful, increased participants’ confidence, and reinforced the organization’s values and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging (DEIB), and anti-racism. The IVR experience inspired participants’ desire to change behaviors, role model inclusive practices, and influence others to create a culture of inclusion and belonging. Keywords: Virtual Reality, Simulation, DEI, Anti-Racism, Nurse, Leadership