Acting Dean and Professor
Robert Morris University School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Director: Regional RISE Center
Past President: INACSL
Our Interest in Interprofessional Practice and Education:
Valerie Howard EdD MSN RN, Acting Dean for the Robert Morris University School of Nursing and Health Sciences, previously served as foudning Director of the Regional Research and Innovation in Simulation Education (RISE) Center and Past-President of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). Through this work with the international simulation community, I became uniquely aware of the need for interprofesisonal education and the importance of teamwork training with all of our SNHS students. In 2009, RMU integrated the TeamSTEPPS(c) training system throughout the undergraduate curriculum and practiced these tools and strategies through RISE Center Simulation Activities. I was an invited participant for the IPE Healthcare Simulation Symposium sponsored by the SSH, NLN, and Josiah Macy Foundation, which resulted in a white paper describing how simulation can be a catalyst for IPE. The RMU undergraduate and graduate curriculum now incorporates IPE and teamwork throughout.
Signature Programs and Activities:
TeamSTEPPS (c): RMU has 3 Master TeamSTEPPS trainers on faculty and these tools and strategies are incroporated thoughout all undergraduate and graduate simulation activities.
RMU Regional RISE Center: Accredited Simulation Center that incorporates IPE and TeamSTEPPS (c) team training throughout all simulation experiences.
AIME: HRSA funded Access to Interprofessional Mental Health Education Initiative to increase the number of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) who are proficient in interprofessional education competencies and have the knowledge to improve care of patients with multiple chronic conditions.