Kristen Lutz, DNP, RN, CEN, CHSE

Dr. Kristen Lutz is an Assistant Professor and Director of Simulation at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. She brings more than a decade of experience in emergency nursing, critical care education, academic teaching, and healthcare simulation. As a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE), she specializes in designing innovative simulation-based learning experiences that enhance clinical judgment, confidence, and competency among nursing learners. Her work focuses on advancing simulation pedagogy, supporting faculty development, and integrating evidence-based educational strategies into nursing curricula.

Dr. Lutz’s scholarship focuses on simulation-based nursing education, clinical judgment development, medication safety, and competency assessment. Her current Doctor of Nursing Practice project examines the impact of simulation and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) on medication administration competence and confidence among prelicensure nursing students. She is interested in simulation program evaluation, faculty development, and the use of evidence-based simulation practices to improve learner and educational outcomes.

Dr. Lutz teaches undergraduate and graduate nursing students through simulation, classroom, and clinical learning environments. Her background includes serving as a critical care clinical instructor, simulation educator, and instructor for Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). She develops and facilitates high-fidelity simulation experiences that promote clinical judgment, communication, teamwork, and patient safety, with an emphasis on evidence-based learning and preparing students for professional nursing practice.

Dr. Lutz is actively involved in professional and community service initiatives that support nursing education and healthcare improvement. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International and the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). She has contributed to professional governance and advisory activities through service on healthcare and simulation committees and boards.

Dr. Lutz has a background in emergency and acute care nursing.