CNREP Mary E. Mahoney Simulation Center
Mission Statement
The CNREP Mary E. Mahoney Simulation Center (MEMSC) is dedicated to improving patient safety and advancing health care education through innovative simulation. Through this work, MEMSC supports the Houston Methodist Hospital Center for Nursing Research, Education and Practice (CNREP) in advancing its tripartite mission of research, education and practice.
Research
The MEMSC research mission is to advance patient care beyond traditional educational paradigms by identifying, creating and analyzing clinical and educational problems for which existing data may be limited. By utilizing simulation-based research and advanced educational methodologies, MEMSC enables experimentation in a low-cost, low-risk environment, fostering innovation and creativity in nursing and interprofessional practice.
Empowering clinicians to use simulation as both an educational and diagnostic tool through research allows MEMSC to drive local, national and global improvements in patient care and clinical outcomes.
Education
The educational mission of MEMSC centers on empowering learners through professional development grounded in the highest standards of nursing and interprofessional practice. MEMSC enhances learners’ assessment, diagnostic, teamwork and communication skills through simulation-based education for students, residents and clinical professionals while promoting adherence to evidence-based best practices.
The simulation center supports nursing, respiratory therapy, perfusion, physical therapy and medical learners by providing a safe and supportive environment to practice and refine essential skills that build patient trust and confidence. This interprofessional approach enhances the educational experience while prioritizing patient safety.
Practice
The MEMSC identifies patient safety and quality improvement as core priorities. Simulation facilitates a psychologically safe learning environment in which clinical skills and decision-making can be practiced without risk to patients. Through annual competencies, specialty training, continuing education opportunities and new product and technology education, MEMSC improves clinical performance and safety outcomes by thoroughly preparing staff before procedures and technologies are applied in patient care settings.
Simulation-Based Education
Simulation-based methodologies provide a unique opportunity to enhance learning and improve patient safety by allowing participants to practice in realistic, high-risk, high-impact scenarios and reflect on their performance. The goal of the CNREP Mary E. Mahoney Simulation Center is to provide an interprofessional, realistic, hands-on and interactive learning environment within a safe and controlled setting.
All simulation activities are facilitated by trained simulation educators and incorporate evidence-based debriefing methods to support reflective learning and continuous improvement. This approach supports standardized skill development through deliberate practice, structured assessment and meaningful feedback that enhances future performance and clinical competence.
Virtual and Hybrid Offerings
In alignment with its mission and vision to be globally recognized for excellence in simulation-based training and research, the Mary E. Mahoney Simulation Center offers virtual and hybrid educational programs. These programs are accessible through the organization’s Learning Management System (LMS).
Hours of Operation and Contact Information
The Mary E. Mahoney Simulation Center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or by appointment based on course scheduling needs.
For consultation, training requests or scheduling simulation activities, please contact us at
CNREPSimCtr@houstonmethodist.org