The School of Nursing recognizes Janie Dennis, director of the ExCEL Center, for her leadership and innovation in simulation-based nursing education through her participation in the SUNY Nursing Simulation Fellowship.
As part of this work, she helped develop the SUNY Simulation Scenario Library, a centralized, open-access resource of peer-reviewed, competency-based simulation scenarios for nursing programs. Her efforts highlight SUNY Brockport’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and preparing practice-ready nursing graduates.
Dennis was selected as part of a competitive, system-wide cohort of simulation educators tasked with advancing high-quality, hands-on learning experiences for nursing students across New York State. The fellowship brings together faculty from SUNY institutions to collaborate on initiatives that strengthen simulation education and support the development of the healthcare workforce.
As part of this work, Dennis collaborated with colleagues across the SUNY system to help develop the newly launched SUNY Healthcare Simulation Resource Library, unveiled during SUNY’s Health Care Simulation Showcase in May 2026. This open-access platform serves as a centralized hub of peer-reviewed, evidence-based simulation scenarios and teaching resources, designed to enhance nursing education statewide.
The library includes structured simulation scenarios aligned with national best practices, incorporating clear learning objectives tied to competencies, along with guidance for pre-briefing and debriefing. It also features the SUNY Share Simulation & Interprofessional Education Repository, which allows faculty to easily access, adapt, and contribute simulation activities across a range of clinical specialties.
A key feature of the initiative is its collaborative and evolving design. Faculty and simulation educators across SUNY are encouraged to contribute their own scenarios, helping to expand and continuously improve the resource. The platform also integrates SUNY SimAcademy, which provides free professional development and training grounded in national simulation standards.
Simulation-based education has become increasingly important in nursing, especially following statewide efforts to expand its use to help address healthcare workforce needs. These experiences allow students to build clinical judgment, communication skills, and confidence in a safe, controlled environment that mirrors real-world practice.
Dennis’s contributions through the fellowship directly reflect SUNY Brockport’s commitment to innovation and excellence in nursing education. Through her leadership at the ExCEL Center, she continues to support faculty and students in integrating meaningful, high-impact simulation into the curriculum.
Faculty interested in exploring the simulation library or incorporating more simulation into their teaching are encouraged to connect with Dennis and visit the SUNY Healthcare Simulation Resource Library online.