Jamie StoskopfThe School of Nursing at 黑洞社区 recently acquired a new family of state-of-the-art mannequins that can realistically simulate a variety of symptoms and scenarios, including childbirth, seizures, blood pressure problems and bleeding.
The major benefit of simulation is that it provides an interactive experience where students have the opportunity to learn and practice in a realistic and safe environment. Studies show that when used in conjunction with the classroom and clinicals, simulation promotes better preparation of new nurses and increased patient safety.
鈥淭he mannequins are an excellent tool for our students,鈥� says Abbey Elliott, simulation coordinator for the School of Nursing who runs the computerized simulations. 鈥淪ince faculty members supervise the simulations, students can safely make mistakes and receive immediate feedback to learn from those mistakes.鈥�
As simulation becomes increasingly more integrated in the classroom, the realistic mannequins are an important addition to the college. The mannequins were made possible through student fees and are part of the School of Nursing鈥檚 mission to improve the health of the community through innovation and excellence in education.
The family of mannequins includes an adult female named Victoria, an infant female named Tory, and Hal, a male made in child and adult versions. They are of various ages and skin tones to reflect the diversity of real patients.
Victoria can simulate an authentic birth, complete with realistic components such as placenta and umbilical cord. She can also experience various complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and shoulder dysplasia.
She comes with a birthing bed, monitors and devices for students to learn how to operate equipment, read information and follow clinical procedures.
Tory can simulate crying and other signs of distress, giving students the opportunity to care for a newborn immediately following birth.
Fourth-semester nursing student Rebecca Angell says the mannequins are a very effective way for students to practice the skills needed to perform a delivery.
鈥淭he mannequins are helpful because they prepare us as much as possible before experiencing the real thing,鈥� she says. 鈥淏eing able to practice in a risk-free environment really increases my confidence.鈥�
The mannequins also provide learning opportunities for other health professions students.
Physician assistant students can use the mannequins to practice procedures such as pelvic exams and encourage interprofessional collaboration and communication.
Elliott says the School of Nursing is always working to provide students with the best education and experience possible.
鈥淭he new mannequins allow us to utilize the latest technology and further our mission to improve the health of our community.鈥�