From EMT to simulation coordinator: James Cozza recreates the real world of nursing

The demand for nursing simulation is growing in New York with Governor Kathy Hochul signing legislation in May of 2023 to permit undergraduate nursing students to complete up to one-third of their clinical training in high fidelity simulation settings. Cozza’s pathway to the nursing profession uniquely positions him to prepare the next generation of nurses through simulation.  

“These scenarios that we’re doing, I’ve done all these things in reality,” Cozza said.

Before earning a BS in nursing and an MS in the family health nurse practitioner program at UB, he worked as an EMT for Rural Metro in Buffalo in his early 20s. This experience solidified his passion for emergency medicine and piqued his interest in nursing.

“I grew up really fast,” Cozza said. “I was delivering babies, I handled gunshot wounds – all the things that you would see on TV plus all the basic transports … It really opened my eyes quickly.”

During this period, Cozza worked with nurses and believed he could thrive in the profession, especially caring for acutely ill patients. Cozza explains that he loves living in the region and that UB was his top choice since it “… is well regarded as a premier nursing school in New York State.”

Cozza has practiced at several sites in Buffalo, including serving as a nurse practitioner for Mercy Flight. Currently, Buffalo General Medical Center is his primary practice location. In addition to his clinical work and simulation coordinator duties, he is enrolled in the DNP program.

Cozza notes that his role as a simulation coordinator dovetails well with his two decades in emergency medicine.

“I’ve always been an unofficial educator of sorts … as an EMT I was training EMTs, as a nurse I was training nurses …” he said. “I’ve always done some level of simulation in all of that.”

Cozza identifies how his original degree in business informs his approach to simulation coordination in terms of organizational communication. He explains that for simulations to run smoothly, he manages multiple moving parts: students, graduate assistants, actors, manikins, software and props, including simulated blood.

“Every simulation, it’s like getting ready for a wedding,” he said.

Cozza emphasizes that simulation is equivalent to concentrated clinical time with scenarios tailored to the students. One of the primary benefits is that students can drive decision-making and then learn in a non-judgmental environment. He hopes to continue building the simulation program for DNP students.

Cozza finds that one of the most rewarding aspects is the conversations that emerge during debriefing with students after a simulation exercise.

“The students are bringing in a perspective that in some cases, I would have never even considered,” he said.

Cozza forecasts that virtual reality will factor heavily in the future of simulation, but emphasizes that technology is just one factor in a comprehensive nursing education that includes clinical experiences with real patients.  

“Although advanced technologies and tools can be beneficial, nothing compares to the impact of a genuine human connection on the patient's overall well-being.”

By SHANNON O'SULLIVAN