VRN

Role: Sole Developer & Artist
Tools Used: Unreal Engine, C++, Blueprints, 3ds Max
Platform: HTC Vive
Focus: Medical Device Training, Nurse Education, VR Simulation

Project Overview

VRN is a fully immersive virtual reality training application developed to educate registered nurses and nursing students in the practical use of complex medical devices, with a specific focus on the Alaris infusion system. Designed in collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), the app addresses a critical training gap: nurses often receive first-time exposure to medical devices in front of patients.

The VR environment simulates device workflows and hospital contexts with high fidelity, allowing new nurses—especially those in the SRU (Specialty Resource Unit)—to gain confidence and muscle memory in a low-risk, repeatable setting. The experience supports single-user and multi-user networked training, enabling remote instruction and group collaboration.

My Role & Contributions

This was my capstone project, and I acted as the sole developer and artist. It was my first deep dive into Unreal Engine, and I built every component of the application from the ground up.

• Unreal Engine Development:
  Wrote C++ and Blueprint systems to support VR interaction, user guidance, and device simulation.

• Interaction Modes:
  Implemented two core modes:

• Practice Mode: Step-by-step guidance with visual and audio cues.

• Test Mode: Task sequences with no hints, designed to assess retention and proficiency.

• 3D Asset Creation & Optimization:
  Modeled the Alaris device and full patient room environment using 3ds Max, ensuring performance and realism for VR deployment.

• VR Implementation:
  Integrated with HTC Vive, built user interactions with motion-tracked hand controllers, and optimized for low-latency, high-fidelity VR experiences.

• UI & Instruction Systems:
  Developed custom VR-friendly UI components, including visual callouts for device feedback, step indicators, and proficiency summaries.
  
  

Outcome

The application delivered a full-scale, interactive simulation that could be deployed within CCHMC’s SRU office. It successfully addressed training gaps by enabling repeatable, immersive practice sessions and reducing reliance on limited physical devices. VRN not only improved user confidence and readiness but also demonstrated how virtual environments can enhance medical education while minimizing patient risk.