Background

Dr. Kelly Russin is a three-time graduate of the University of South Carolina College of Nursing including a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership, a Master of Science in Nursing Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Teaching

As the Director of the Center for Simulation and Experiential Learning (SAEL), Dr. Russin provides teaching and simulation training to Simulation Educators and Simulated Participants. She also teaches in the RN-BSN program and assists with other courses as needed. Dr. Russin maintains our Simulation Accreditation through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and holds a National Certification in Simulation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and a National Certification in Nursing Obstetrics.

Research

Dr. Russin's research focuses on the use of debriefing to decrease psychological distress of nurses in the health care setting, enhancing student preparation for disaster through disaster simulation, improving student competency in the use of interpreters in the clinical setting, the use of simulated participants for operations and the use of actual patients for simulated participants. 

Dissemination

Presentations at local, state, and international conferences including South Carolina Nursing Education Simulation Alliance (SCNESA), International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), and International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH).

Professional Service

• Vice President and President Elect, South Carolina Nursing Education Simulation Alliance (SCNESA)
• Vice-Chair Conference Planning Committee, International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL)
• Alpha Xi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau Honors Society Membership Involvement Chair
• USC Nursing Alumni Association Committee
• American Nurses Association (ANA)
• SC Chapter Board Member Chair, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
• Founder, Perinatal Loss Committee and Chair of Nursing Research Inquiry Council at Lexington Medical Center
• Chair and Founder, South Carolina Simulation Leadership Council

Professional Practice

Dr. Russin has been a registered nurse on Labor and Delivery at Lexington Medical Center since 2010. Her awards include Lexington Medical Center’s LMC Gold Award, Melanie Cason Simulation Award, and USC Nursing Outstanding Alumna Award.

Research Studies (selected)

"Debriefing after Perinatal Loss" was her DNP project focused on using debriefing to decrease nurse distress by allowing them to reflect on the experience. The study demonstrated high stress levels of labor and delivery nurses including the effects of education, faith, and shift work on their stress levels. This study evolved into other presentations about the importance of debriefing in clinical practice. 

"Disaster Simulation Study" was a school-shooting simulation conducted in partnership with local EMS and university police as a part of an interprofessional drill over multiple semesters. The study demonstrated the student’s improved communication, teamwork, and confidence in caring for patients during an emergency. 

Publications (selected)

Chargualaf, K., Aaron, B., & Russin, K. (2024). Perceived learning & confidence to apply nursing theories to clinical practice through simulation: A pilot study. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2023.101476 

Russin, K., & Mottel, H. (2024). Enhancing disaster management preparedness through simulation. American Journal of Nursing, 124(3). https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NAJ.0001008412.74661.30 

Russin, K. (2023). Effects of debriefing after perinatal loss. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecological, and Neonatal Nursing, 52(4), S71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2023.05.107 

Russin, K., (2021). The effects of debriefing on nurse distress after perinatal loss. Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects. https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/dnp_projects/4