Adaptation to Virtual Format of an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Pediatric Physical Abuse Simulation

Identification of victims of physical abuse is a skill in which all advanced practice registered nurses who interact with children should be competent. Interacting with a family in whom an advanced practice registered nurse suspects physical abuse can be an emotionally charged encounter. Simulation allows students to practice this skill in a safe environment. Certain skills translate nicely to the virtual environment, and the convenience, decreased costs, and effective use of time are noted as benefits. This report describes the transition of a pediatric physical abuse simulation from a face-to-face environment to the virtual environment and notes the outcomes from faculty and student perspectives. •Advanced practice registered nurses preparing to see children in primary care should be comfortable interviewing and referring patients when abuse is suspected.•The virtual format, while not ideal in a clinic setting, created an effective simulation environment with several benefits over face-to-face simulation.•The virtual simulation format allowed for simulation objectives to be met without compromising the emotional charge of the scenario.