Amanda Adams, DNP, FNP, a clinical assistant professor in Upstate’s College of Nursing, has been named to the inaugural class of SUNY’s Nursing Simulation Fellowship and will be one of the key architects of simulation-based learning for nurses across the state.

Adams was named to the fellowship along with 10 other SUNY faculty members from campuses across the state by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.

The nursing fellowship is a key initiative aimed at further advancing SUNY nursing programs in adopting simulation-based education for students. The SUNY Nursing Simulation Fellowship will advance SUNY’s effort to prepare more nurses for New York state’s health care workforce—a major objective of Gov. Hochul and SUNY.  In 2023, Hochul signed legislation permitting nursing students to complete up to one-third of their clinical training through high-quality simulation experiences.  

Adams serves as director of simulation for the College of Nursing, where she incorporates the school’s simulation lab into the nursing curriculum.

“SUNY is leveraging this initiative to enhance and further develop our already outstanding nursing programs throughout New York state,"Adams said. "I am thrilled to contribute to this effort alongside other passionate nursing faculty members."

In addition to advancing their knowledge and skills in simulation education, Fellows will have the opportunity to shape the future of simulation-based learning across the SUNY system. Through their expertise, they will spend the next nine months developing the SUNY Simulation Shared Resource Library, a central repository of nursing simulation resources that will benefit nursing programs systemwide. 

The SUNY Simulation Shared Resource Library will include vetted simulation scenarios spanning various specialties, teaching strategies, simulation education best practices, and more. The library will enhance the quality and diversity of simulation experiences for nursing students while increasing faculty capacity to support simulation operations, such as simulation space management, technical operations, and running simulation labs with students. 

Adams said that simulation adds valuable perspective and experiences to nursing education. 

“I would describe simulation as a vital tool that augments education as a whole,” she said, “Simulation offers extensive benefits to enhance learning across various fields, not just in nursing. It creates a safe environment for students to practice essential skills, exposes them to scenarios they may not encounter in traditional settings, and fosters a reflective learning experience through structured guidance and feedback.” 

Adams said the impact of the state’s plan is already coming to fruition and that since the governor signed the simulation legislation, more than 700 additional nursing school seats have been created, which in turn will help alleviate the shortage of health care workers. 

Adams holds a bachelor of nursing degree from the University of Rochester and a doctor of nursing practice from the University at Buffalo. She has a wide range of nursing experience including oncology-hematology, chemotherapy and infusion, cardiothoracic plastic and ENT service at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Strong Memorial Hospital and Erie County Medical Center. She currently practices clinically as a part-time family nurse practitioner caring for Indigenous populations in western New York. 

Her teaching experience includes a faculty post at the University of Buffalo and as a nursing student success specialist at Upstate’s College of Nursing. She began work in her simulation throughout her previous academic roles and assumed the College of Nursing director of simulation role at Upstate last May. 

“I am both humbled and grateful to be included as a foundational member of this important initiative,” Adams said.  

Adams joins the following SUNY faculty in the fellowship: Susan Chory, SUNY Farmingdale; Holly Farwell, SUNY Broome; Kelly Foltz-Ramos, University at Buffalo; Debra Giugliano, Stony Brook University; Kady Hoistion, SUNY Jefferson; Suzanne Lindau, SUNY Orange; Ashley Molina, Corning Community College; Disa Seymour, SUNY Plattsburgh; Lori-Marie Sprague, SUNY Binghamton; Carlene Williams, SUNY Suffolk.