Dozens of students recently put their nursing skills to the test during a mass casualty and disaster simulation at Galen College of Nursing’s Richmond campus. In partnership with HCA Healthcare, the event immersed students in a realistic emergency response scenario designed to prepare them for the challenges nurses may face during large-scale disasters.

The simulation depicted the aftermath of a hurricane, transforming portions of the campus into scenes of chaos and destruction. Students were able to examine mock patients with a variety of injuries, requiring them to assess conditions, prioritize care and make critical decisions under pressure. The exercise gave participants a firsthand look at the realities of disaster response while allowing them to apply the clinical skills they have learned in the classroom.

“It opened my eyes on how we have to triage patients and prepared me on what to expect,” said Cecilia Jabathy, one of the students who participated in the simulation. “I hope this continues as a tradition here.”

While most nurses will not encounter mass casualty events daily, disasters can happen with little warning. From hurricanes and floods to community emergencies and large-scale accidents, healthcare professionals must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively when lives are at stake.

According to Shannon Carpenter, MSN, RN, CPN, CCRN, CNEcl, simulation manager at Galen’s Richmond campus, experiences like this help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world patient care.

“This brings a hands-on aspect and more realistic experience the students can pull from as future RN’s,” Carpenter said.

Beyond practicing clinical skills, students also gained experience working as part of a coordinated healthcare team, communicating with fellow providers and adapting to rapidly changing situations.

“Performing live action exercise helps to solidify or bridge our knowledge with our application,” said Dominique Williams, who

As nursing continues to evolve and communities face increasingly complex emergencies, disaster preparedness remains an essential part of nursing education. Events like the mass casualty simulation help ensure future nurses are equipped with the confidence, critical thinking skills and hands-on experience needed to respond when their communities need them most.

At Galen College of Nursing, you can explore a variety of nursing pathways, including Practical Nursing (PN/VN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and RN to BSN all designed to help you reach your career goals. With expert faculty, hands-on learning experiences, and a supportive community, you’ll have the tools you need to succeed from day one. Take the first step toward a future in nursing and learn which program is right for you.