ESCANABA – Bay College is co-hosting a mini Simulation User Network (Mini SUN) event on the Escanaba campus. The Great Lakes Mini SUN will target clinical educators from local hospitals, healthcare faculty members, surrounding Upper Peninsula colleges, simulation specialists, and high school ISD partners. The event is intended to educate participants about high-quality simulation and the importance it can play in nurse training.

Simulation in healthcare continues to grow and evolve. It has become a powerful method for developing clinical judgement, communication, teamwork, and patient safety skills. This event will revisit the foundational elements of simulation-based education, providing practical strategies educators can immediately apply within their own programs.

“This event was developed in response to the growing interest across the Upper Peninsula in learning more about simulation and its many benefits in both clinical and academic settings. We are beyond excited to provide this Mini SUN event in partnership with Laerdal Medical, a leader in simulation design and development. Our goal for this event is to return to the basics of successful simulation and engage our participants in all aspects of designing, building, and facilitating a simulation experience,” said Bay College Clinical and Simulation Coordinator Sara Torvinen.

Participants will engage in interactive sessions covering simulation planning, scenario development, the importance of effective debriefing, and hands-on simulation sessions. The event will also provide opportunities for networking among educators from healthcare organizations, colleges, and high school ISDs.

Event Details:

Date: July 17, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Bay College Escanaba Campus, 2001 North Lincoln Road, Escanaba, MI 49829, in the Besse Health & Technology (BHAT 400) building and Joseph Heirman University Center (JHUC 900), located just off Danforth Road

Audience: Clinical Educators, Simulation Specialists, Healthcare Faculty, College Programs, and Regional ISDs

Cost: Free to Attend

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided for all registered attendees.

Early registration is encouraged; attendance is limited to 40 participants. Interested participants should RSVP to Sara Torvinen for registration information and event details at (906) 217-4225 or sara.torvinen@baycollege.edu