DEMING – Nursing Lab Simulation Coordinator Lorenzo Saenz recently presented his innovative framework at a national healthcare simulation conference in Mobile, Alabama. The system, called Performance Reference Points, tracks each student’s clinical skills over time to identify whether they’re progressing, stagnating, or losing proficiency.
Saenz says this method prevents skill loss and allows instructors to tailor realistic simulations to each student’s ability level, ensuring they’re always ready for patient care.
Born in Bayard, Saenz served as a U.S. Army combat medic before joining WNMU. He says his goal is to help students “think for themselves” and learn from mistakes safely in the lab.
The university hopes to see the system adopted statewide and eventually across the country.