Inspiring the Next Generation of Healthcare Heroes with VRNA CNA

Earlier this month, VRSim proudly joined Hearthstone: A Ministry of WesleyLife to bring a unique and engaging healthcare education experience to elementary school students in Pella, Iowa. As part of the PEERS program, an initiative to introduce young learners to STEM careers, Maggie Volz, Marketing Manager for VRSim, joined Terri Morris, Hearthstone’s Clinical Educator, on a special visit to local 1st grade classrooms.

Morris captivated the young students with stories and insights about what it’s like to work as a nurse or a doctor. From using stethoscopes to helping people feel better, the students were eager to learn more about these important roles in their community. The message was simple but powerful: healthcare professionals are helpers and heroes, and anyone—even a 1st grader—can grow up to make a difference.

To bring this message to life, Volz showcased our VRNA CNA simulator, an immersive virtual reality training tool that helps develop fundamental nursing assistant skills. Students got a chance to see how VR technology is used to teach real-world healthcare procedures like proper hand hygiene and measuring vital signs. The demo was met with wide eyes and excited questions as the students watched virtual patient care in action.

“It was incredible to see their curiosity come alive,” said Volz. “Introducing VR to such a young audience really shows the potential of combining technology and education to plant seeds for the future.”

At VRSim, we believe in the power of experiential learning to build confidence and competence in tomorrow’s healthcare workforce. Moments like these remind us that innovation and inspiration go hand-in-hand—and sometimes, the most impactful outreach starts in a classroom full of curious 6-year-olds.

Thank you to Hearthstone and Pella Community Schools for welcoming us and letting us be a part of this meaningful experience.