Listen Now:
On This Episode:
What if learning could be both highly effective and a genuinely fun experience? In this episode, we explore an innovative approach to CRNA education that blends simulation, competition, and teamwork to create deeper engagement and better outcomes for students.
AANA Chief Science & Practice Officer Shayne Hauglum, PhD, CRNA, APRN, joins the show to share how “Sim Wars” is reshaping the way students learn by focusing on communication, leadership, and team dynamics instead of just technical skills. It’s a conversation that stems from his presentation at the recent AANA EDGE event and highlights what’s working, what needs improvement, and where education is headed next.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🎮 Learning Through Competition: Gamified simulations can boost engagement and retention
🤝 Team Dynamics Matter: Communication and teamwork often matter more than technical skill
📊 Measure What Matters: Innovation without evaluation limits long-term impact
🧠 Stress Is Real: Today’s students face intense pressure
🚀 Future-Focused Training: Preparing students for real-world collaboration is critical
Important Links:
“Wellness is such a big part. We need to help offload that a little bit and make learning fun.”

