Northwestern Nursing Arranges Mental Health Exercise

October 14, 2025

Northwestern Oklahoma State University Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing seniors, faculty and volunteers pictured with local actress Sara Acosta after a mental health simulation on Oct. 7 on the Northwestern-Woodward Campus.

WOODWARD, Okla. — Twenty-four Northwestern Oklahoma State University Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing seniors participated in a mental health simulation on Oct. 7 in the Woodward campus foyer and Alexander Family Nursing Lab.

“This is the first time to have a mental health simulation like this,” said Dr. Sierra Dawn Elsey, assistant professor of nursing, who teaches the mental health in nursing course. “I’ve been planning it for over a year. It is incredibly important for our students and community.”

Sara Acosta, a local actress and 2014 Northwestern graduate from Woodward, served as the “patient” for this simulation.

The students participated in four scenarios, and debriefed with group leaders after each scenario. Students were split into four groups, with a separate group leading each scenario. They learned skills such as therapeutic communication, teamwork and team roles, medication administration and safety in mental health settings.

Dr. Krystal Elliott, assistant professor of nursing, and Crystal Gillett, instructor of nursing and a certified healthcare simulation educator, assisted with the simulation. Karen Harrison of Western Plains Youth and Family Services and Tammie Smith of White Horse Ranch also assisted with the simulation. Integris of Woodward provided lunch.

“Our students learned how to apply the lecture material we’ve been discussing in class to real-life scenarios,” Elsey said. “After this simulation, I feel confident that these senior nursing students have more of a grasp on the proper steps to de-escalate a mental health related crisis. This is an activity that I plan to continue every fall semester.”

For more information about the Northwestern Division of Nursing or to take a virtual tour, visit www.nwosu.edu/school-of-professional-studies/nursing.

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Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: (580) 327-8480