Simulation expert [1] Laura Gonzalez, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Central Florida College of Nursing [2], has been elected for a second term as vice president of programs of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation & Learning (INACSL).
The INACSL is a community of more than 1,500 members in 13 countries dedicated to improving patient safety through excellence in health care simulation. As the vice president of programs, Gonzalez oversees the creation and implementation of the organization’s professional development and educational opportunities. Programs include webinars, regional simulation workshops and conferences.
“As a researcher who is dedicated to improving patient outcomes using simulation and technology, INACSL, and the community it provides, has been a beneficial resource in my career,” said Gonzale, who has been a member since 2009. “It has been an honor to work with the board of distinguished simulation experts this past year, and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to serve another year to benefit our members and ultimately, patient care.”
In addition to her board position at INACSL, Gonzalez serves as an on-site accreditation evaluator for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. She is a member of the Southern Nursing Research Society, Society for Simulation in Healthcare and the nursing honor society Sigma Theta Tau International.
Gonzalez joined the college faculty in 2011 as assistant professor and is a 2008 alumna of the Nursing PhD program. She is currently simulation coordinator across all nursing programs at the college, expanding the implementation of the technology in curriculum to enhance student skills development and learning.