SIM Essentials
Nursing simulation education environment
AI-Powered Simulation Platform

Free Faculty Authoring Tool for Nursing Simulations

SIM Essentials is a free faculty authoring tool for designing AACN-aligned nursing simulations. Built by nurse educators, for nurse educators — create a simulation design blueprint, download it, and use it anywhere.

Each Simulation Is a Micro-Course

Every simulation is a self-contained learning module with clear competency alignment.

Faculty authoring simulation content

Faculty Authoring

Create comprehensive simulation outlines with our intuitive multi-step builder. Define learning objectives, patient scenarios, and assessment criteria with ease.

Simulation design library and catalog

Simulation Design Library

Browse simulation design blueprints created and shared by nursing faculty nationwide. All designs are mapped to AACN 2021 Essentials domains and available to download and adapt freely.

AACN competency mapping interface

Competency Mapping

AI-powered alignment to AACN 2021 Essentials domains and competencies. Automatically map your learning outcomes to professional standards.

AACN Aligned

Every simulation maps to specific AACN 2021 Essentials domains and competencies.

AI-Powered

Intelligent domain mapping and scenario suggestions powered by advanced AI.

Community Driven

Browse, share, and discover simulations created by nursing educators.

Export Ready

Complete simulation outlines ready for deployment or LMS integration.

How It Works

Create comprehensive simulation outlines in minutes with our guided builder.

1

Choose Course

Select course category and clinical topic

2

Define Outcomes

Specify learning objectives and protocols

3

Map Competencies

AI suggests AACN domain alignments

4

Build Scenario

Create patient scenario and select modality

5

Download & Share

Download your blueprint or share in the Design Library

See It In Action

Platform Demo

Watch how SIM Essentials transforms nursing simulation development with AI-powered tools and AACN alignment.

3-minute overview of SIM Essentials for nursing faculty and deans

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about SIM Essentials

What You Get

Your download includes a complete simulation design document — a blueprint ready to facilitate in your lab or build into your preferred simulation platform.

  • ✓
    Selected AACN domain, sub-competency, and Progression Indicators
  • ✓
    Behavior-based learning objectives
  • ✓
    Patient scenario and clinical cues
  • ✓
    Assessment criteria aligned to PIs
  • ✓
    Debriefing and reflection prompts

Ready to Get Started?

Join nursing faculty across the country creating AACN-aligned simulations.

SIM Essentials

© 2026 SIM Essentials — A free, faculty-driven simulation design tool. Created by nurse educators to support AACN-aligned, competency-based simulation.