Photo credit: Ning Zhu

Davenport University’s nursing program recently hosted University of Michigan Health-West emergency medicine residents to the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus to participate in simulation-based education using Davenport’s state-of-the-art technology.

During the July 29 event, approximately 30 University of Michigan Health-West residents used Davenport’s nursing simulation laboratories for hands-on learning, clinical skills development and competency-based simulation experiences. 

According to Debbie Bosworth, Davenport’s nursing program director, the event reflects a longstanding partnership between Davenport and University of Michigan Health-West and was made possible with the leadership and support of Amy Stahley, Davenport’s dean of the College of Health Professions. 

“The partnership began several years ago when Davenport first opened its nursing simulation laboratories to emergency medicine residents from what was then Metro Health Hospital,” said Bosworth. “The partnership has allowed medical residents to use Davenport’s simulation space at no cost to support community learning and clinical development. That early collaboration laid the groundwork for a partnership that has continued to evolve, with emergency medicine and internal medicine residents returning to Davenport for additional practice, hands-on instruction, clinical skills check-offs and competency-based simulation experiences. What began as access to simulation space has become an annual tradition of interprofessional learning and skills development.”

This fall, the partnership will expand in a significant new direction. Davenport and University of Michigan Health-West are currently developing a three-hour interprofessional experience that will bring together 21 third-year medical students completing clinical education, 18 physician residents, including six first-year residents, junior-level Davenport nursing students and Davenport nursing alumni who will contribute practice-based insight and mentorship.

The fall experience will focus on awareness, helping participants better understand one another’s roles, responsibilities and perspectives, as well as the importance of collaborative practice in today’s healthcare environment. Through interactive activities, small-group engagement and large-group discussion, participants will strengthen communication, teamwork, mutual respect and professional awareness across disciplines.

“To the best of my knowledge, this will be the first collaboration of its kind involving University of Michigan Health-West physician residents and Davenport nursing students,” said Bosworth. “It will provide a meaningful opportunity for future nurses and physicians to learn alongside one another and better understand the expertise each profession brings to patient care.”

The initiative is being developed with the support of University of Michigan Health-West’s Dr. Adam Wolfe and Davenport nursing leaders Shellie Raisanen, clinical coordinator, and Karen DeVries, professional lab assistant. Their work continues to strengthen the connection between classroom education, simulation and real-world interprofessional practice.