Ann L. Butt, EdD, CHSE, CNE, RN

My experience in nursing spans thirty five years, with most of them spent in adult critical care providing direct patient care. As clinical faculty and simulation educator at the University of Utah, one of my goals has been to more intentionally integrate deliberate practice for mastery learning into the College of Nursing undergraduate curriculum. The Simulation Center within the College of Nursing is a great place for students to master not only critical procedural skills necessary in a profession such as nursing, but also development of clinical judgment--and I'm passionate about teaching with simulation!

I have been teaching with simulation for over a decade and earned certification as a Healthcare Simulation Educator through the Society of Simulation in Healthcare several years ago. I'm also honored to be a Fellow in the University of Utah Academy of Health Science Educators. Recently, I've collaborated with the Entertainment Arts & Engineering program at the University of Utah to develop ways to use virtual reality (students put on a headset and provide nursing care in the patient's room using their own hands) as an innovative tool to practice critical skills so nursing students are ready to provide safe, high-quality patient care. Outside of work, you'll find me hiking, reading or playing with Gracie.

Wherever I am, you'll also see Gracie, the official College of Nursing Therapy Dog--in class, in the simulation lab and lately, on zoom for class or meetings. She is a Portuguese Water Dog and I am her owner/trainer. Gracie's job is to come to work with me to provide therapy to students, staff and faculty within the CoN. She can change the mood--or instantly light up a room with her goofy personality and boundless energy. When not at the CON, you may find Gracie hiking with her humans, chasing balls or sticks or eating whatever she can get her mouth on!

Selected Publications