The Lee University School of Nursing (SON) recently conducted a mass casualty simulation on campus, providing nursing students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience. The event simulated a bombing scenario, with approximately 55 students and faculty members participating in various roles.

“The purpose of this drill is to enhance our students’ confidence and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations” said Shannon McBrayer, director of simulation and experiential learning.

The simulation lasted five hours and took place on Paul Conn Parkway inside and outside of the SON building. There were structured pre-brief and debrief sessions. Over 150 high school students from the area participated as victims, transporters, and first responders.  

As the event unfolded, victims were sent out in waves to simulate how in reality they would arrive to local hospitals. Students worked to assess the injuries and directed the victims into the SON’s simulated hospital, where they were treated by nursing majors, nurse practitioners, athletic training students, and volunteer medical doctors for various injuries, including burns, shrapnel injuries, broken bones, and gunshot wounds.  

“During the event, I worked as a nurse in the emergency department, where I was responsible for discharging stable patients and those previously under my care to make room for new patients and then provided care to the patients triaged to the department throughout the simulation,” said Maira VanBeveren, a senior nursing major with a minor in disaster healthcare mission management. “This experience highlighted the importance of clear communication within the team, encouraged creative problem-solving amidst chaos, and deepened our empathy for victims, families, and frontline workers in disaster scenarios.” 

The event provided a collaborative learning opportunity for students across multiple disciplines, including nursing, disaster healthcare mission management, communication arts, and athletic training. By working together, participants gained practical experience in managing large-scale emergencies while applying their specialized knowledge.

“This simulation was an incredible experience that allowed me and my cohort to practice our skills in real time and really step into our own as healthcare professionals,” said Kendall Kessler, a senior nursing major and charge nurse during the simulation. “I commend my team of fellow future nurses, as well as the School of Nursing staff and those of other specialties, that worked together to make this an incredible experience.” 

SON’s mass casualty simulation continues to play a vital role in preparing students for the unpredictable nature of healthcare, fostering resilience, teamwork, and clinical excellence in crisis response.

For more information about the School of Nursing, visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/nursing/.