Melissa Bathish, Ph.D., RN, CPNP-PC
University of Michigan School of Nursing
426 North Ingalls Building
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482
In the news
Interests
- Simulation based education
- Innovative teaching methods
- Deliberate practice
- Nursing expertise
- Pediatric acute care
Dr. Bathish’s professional and academic career focuses on simulation-based education as an elemental pedagogical approach in the development of critical clinical and decision-making skills. Dr. Bathish is Co-Director of the Clinical Learning Center and the Undergraduate Faculty Lead for clinical learning and simulation. She has been involved in simulation education for nursing students since 2008 and was a member of the original simulation task force at the School of Nursing. Her scholarship is centered on preparing the next generation of nurses through experiential learning, deliberate practice and innovative simulation-based learning methods and technologies. She is particularly interested in educational outcomes of simulation-based education and supporting faculty in implementing simulation experiences through her leadership role in the Clinical Learning Center.
Current Research Grants and Programs
- Transforming Nursing Education Using Microsoft Hololens2 AR and UpTale 360 degree VR Platforms for Skills Training and Clinical Decision Making (Co-PI).
- Simulated Cardiac Arrest (Code Blue) Training for University of Michigan School of Nursing Undergraduate and Graduate Students Using a High-Fidelity Patient Simulator and Crash Cart (Co-PI).
- Sustainability Efforts in Healthcare Simulation and Clinical Learning
Teaching
Dr. Bathish has been teaching in the undergraduate program at the University of Michigan School of Nursing since 2006. She has provided didactic content and clinical instruction to sophomore, junior, senior and second career students in multiple acute care pediatric settings (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care, Children’s Emergency Services, Pediatric Cardiology and Oncology).
Her teaching approach is skills based and experiential, and she incorporates innovative teaching strategies (augmented reality, computerized hi-fidelity manikins, standardized patients) in her courses. Dr. Bathish strives to prepare nursing students to be confident, caring, and competent patient care providers while understanding that students’ learning needs are constantly changing and progressing. Her use of innovative teaching methodologies complement this dynamic process.
Affiliations / Service
- Fellow, Healthcare Innovation Impact Program, University of Michigan School of Nursing
- Member, International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning
- Member, Society for Simulation in Healthcare
- Member, Midwest Nursing Research Society
- Board Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, Rho Chapter
Notable Awards / Honors
- INACSL Best Practice Innovator Excellence Award, 2022
- We Dare Challenge Award, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 2022
- Top Scoring Poster in Non-Research Category, “Leveling Up: A Multi-Environment, Multi-Patient, Simulation Quality Improvement Project”. INACSL Virtual Conference, 2020
- Recognized Reviewer, Elsevier Journal Article Publishing, Reviewer Recognition Team, 2020
- Outstanding Reviewer, International Journal of Nursing Studies, 2015
- Krikor Ketefian Endowment Award, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 2013
Education
- Ph.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 2014
- MS, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 1995
- BSN, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 1991
