In 2015, Matt was challenged to assist with improving the orientation process in the emergency department. Matt collaborated with Allison Helmerichs and an emergency department physician to determine what approach to take. A new simulation center opened in this organization, and Matt suggested using simulation as part of the improvements. Although the orientation task force was new to simulation and developing education, Matt was enthusiastic about taking a new approach. The emergency department orientation task force developed from here.
Matt was instrumental in developing the objectives and scenarios for the simulations. He even convinced his parents to be the first standardized patients when the orientation task force piloted the simulations.
To better facilitate simulation education, Matt has advanced himself professionally through academic education, certifications, and attending conferences. Matt helped create and develop simulation teaching strategies, such as "Think Like Me" and "What are your next two steps?" to enhance the experience for the learners.
Without his passion and drive for success, the orientation task force would not be where they are today. Matt has one goal - to leave nursing better than we found it.
Education
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1998-2000
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2016-2018
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2019-2021
Areas of Expertise
Matt Helmerichs has been a registered nurse for over 23 years. Matt has worked in the Emergency Department (ED) and Trauma Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Matt is a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and currently works in the ED. Matt has obtained the following certifications: Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS). Matt has trained new nurses in the clinical setting for over 15 years. Matt is proficient with Cerner, Epic, and T-System electronic health record platforms. Matt has helped develop, implement, and facilitate new nurse education utilizing simulation and point-of-view technology. Matt has participated in poster, podium, and panel presentations at the state and national Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) conferences and the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) conferences.
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Simulation development and implementation
- Strategy to Execution Support
- Transformation
Point of View Sepsis Simulation
Education Content
In 2015, as we prepared to present the first nursing simulations, it was daunting. Having had support from leaders to try something new and mentors who had successfully executed simulation content for resident physicians was beneficial. However, knowing where to start, how to present the topic, how to debrief the case, and how to ensure that learning occurred was a real challenge.
High Fidelity Simulation
Increasing the realism in the simulated environment to resemble the live environment elicits many of the same stressors and emotions that a nurse may experience when providing care to various populations. Including simulation during orientation allows the learner to practice, experience complexities that cannot be recreated in the classroom, and develop a deeper understanding of the purpose of the care.