What?   To prepare nursing students to respond to racial microaggressions they may encounter in clinical or classroom setting, we are developing and testing an online educational module. We will collaborate with Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Colour (BIPOC) nursing students and faculty to develop the module. Our goal is that the modules will (1) support BIPOC nursing students to understand their options and respond to racial microaggressions they may encounter; (2) support non-BIPOC students and faculty to examine their biases and privilege; and (3) support non-BIPOC students and faculty to address microaggressions witnessed in classroom and clinical settings. 

Why? When nursing students experience racial microaggressions in educational settings, their cognitive load is increased such that their mental function, academic performance, and socio-emotional well-being can be compromised. 

Impact of findings: There have been very few studies to date that have used in-person or virtual simulation to teach about inclusivity, diversity, and cultural awareness. We believe that virtual simulation games (VSGs) could be useful to promote understanding and provide opportunities for nursing students and educators to apply cultural humility principles in virtual encounters of racial microaggressions within healthcare.