Faculty Spotlight | Dr. Rebecca Thomas

The Unfolding Case-Based Simulation: A Pedigogical Approach of Engagement and Innovation

Dr. Rebecca Thomas, Associate Professor in the Maternal Child Nursing Department,  integrates passion and innovation to create transformative teaching practices. Drawing on her background as the Maternal Health Curriculum Coordinator for the HRSA-funded SUCCESS program, Dr. Thomas integrates advanced simulation techniques to prepare future nurses for complex, real-world scenarios in maternal care. In collaboration with her colleagues, she developed a three-part unfolding simulation that allows OBGYN nursing students to experience real-world clinical scenarios. This innovative pedagogy begins with a simulated telehealth encounter with a maternal health emergency. Next, students engaged with a live simulation of high-fidelity mannequins, followed by working with standardized patients to demonstrate necessary management of postpartum emergencies.

Through this unfolding simulation, students developed critical clinical competencies and confidence, building not just skills, but critical clinical judgment. They learned the essential steps to respond effectively in real-world settings and contribute to reducing poor outcomes in the maternal population. The progressive nature of the scenario allowed students to identify early risk factors in pregnancy, recognize symptoms that increase vulnerability to complications, and apply evidence-based interventions to ensure patient safety. By applying live simulation exercises, she built students’ confidence in teamwork and patient care, valuing the ability to apply knowledge “on the spot,” practicing adaptability and real-time problem solving.

For Dr. Thomas, teaching is about curiosity, compassion, and connection. Inspired by her mother’s legacy as a lifelong science educator, she carries forward a message that continues to guide her work: “Be curious...curious about the world around you. Aspire to be an expert in your field and not just obtain a piece of paper.” Student feedback consistently highlights her supportive approach as students shared:

"Dr. Thomas, I would like to thank you for getting me excited about nursing. Your personality is so upbeat and fun that it made the class fun. Thank you for reassuring me about my career choice."

"I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for your guidance and support during my OB clinical rotation. Your encouragement has made a significant difference in my learning experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from you. I truly appreciate the time and effort you put into helping me grow as a nursing student."

Through her innovative pedagogy, Dr. Thomas’s teaching excellence helps to prepare the next generation of USA Health nurses to skillfully lead with courage, confidence, and compassion.

Beyond her academic work, Dr. Thomas enjoys participating in tabletop role-playing games, along with her son, and participating in a dance troupe. When it comes to music, she enjoys a wide range of genres—from Rap/Trap to EDM—with artists like Lil Wayne, Three 6 Mafia, Odesza, and DJ Kaboo on her playlist.

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