Sim Stars: Jen Pouyadou, R.N.

Sim Stars is a regular feature in UAB Clinical Simulation’s think Sim First newsletter, created to highlight the simulation facilitators who bring learning to life. Each month, we spotlight a partner whose work exemplifies excellence in simulation, collaboration and experiential learning for UAB Medicine.

For Jen Pouyadou, R.N., simulation wasn’t necessarily part of the original plan, but education always was. 

A bedside nurse on HSP2, Pouyadou has spent the past decade precepting new hires and students, helping guide fellow nurses through some of the most overwhelming moments of their early careers. That passion for supporting others ultimately led her into simulation-based education.

“It is very easy for new nurses to be overwhelmed, and I find a lot of purpose in supporting my peers in their journey,” she said. 

Pouyadou said she has long enjoyed educational environments, particularly moments when learners begin connecting concepts in real time. 

“I have a bit of a passion for education,” she said.  

That passion eventually opened the door to a new opportunity when the Medical Division formed an orientation committee two years ago. Nominated by her manager to participate, Pouyadou volunteered to join a team focused on medication administration. This unexpectedly launched her deeper into simulation, she said. 

“I sort of fell into simulation,” she admitted. “Little did I know that would lead me to partner with UAB Clinical Simulation in actually designing a simulation from the ground up. It was challenging and sometimes frustrating, but always really interesting.” 

Through that process, Pouyadou became more connected with Clin Sim staff and began exploring additional opportunities to participate, including work as an embedded participant (EP), a role that uniquely aligned with another side of her background.

“I was particularly intrigued by the EP role, since my first degree from UAB is in theater, and it seemed like a great way to blend experience from both of my degrees,” she said. 

Since then, Pouyadou has deepened her simulation experience and participated in sims beyond Medical Division Orientation, with plans to continue expanding her involvement. 

Pouyadou believes simulation offers learners something traditional classroom environments often cannot: psychologically safe, hands-on practice grounded in teamwork and experiential learning. 

“In healthcare, we are always putting our hands on people, so it’s incredibly valuable to get to put our hands on ‘people’ in a learning environment where it’s safe to fail,” she said. “I think making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn.”

Some of the most meaningful learner moments she has witnessed, Pouyadou said, involve participants discovering the value of teamwork under pressure. 

“I love seeing people learn in real time that they can rely on their teammates and that they don’t have to—and maybe shouldn’t try to—do it all on their own,” Pouyadou said. “This is where sim can really shine, in additional to practical, hands-on learning.”

For those just beginning as simulation facilitators, Pouyadou encourages curiosity, reflection and relationship-building. 

“My advice would be to ask lots of questions, really think about the answers, and make friends with the sim lab staff,” she said, “because they’re a super cool bunch of folks!” 

UAB Medicine’s Clinical Simulation program offers opportunities for individuals and teams across UAB Medicine and beyond to practice before they deliver care. We encourage all who provide and support patient care to “Sim First.” Together, we can put our patients’ safety first.