Six Challenges Encountered in the Opening of a Multi-Institutional, Interprofessional Simulation Center

The Clinical Simulation Center of Las Vegas opened in August 2009 after 3 years of planning. This unique center is a multi-institutional, interprofessional collaboration between two schools of nursing, University of Nevada Las Vegas and Nevada State College, and the University of Nevada School of Medicine. This article discusses the challenges faced before and during the center’s first year of operation, as well as lessons learned in the process, regarding (a) the move into the new space, (b) position descriptions and staff adjustments, (c) the scheduling of center space, (d) integration of three institutions, (e) incorporation of simulation into training curricula, and (f) faculty development and interprofessional training. It concludes with a look at challenges that the Clinical Simulation Center of Las Vegas may face in the future.