Nursing education: High-fidelity simulation labs offer high-impact training
The job function of nurses has been expanding far beyond tasks involving traditional bedside care. Layers of new responsibilities involve managing increasingly complex patient care requirements. Caring for an aging population. Learning and using medical technologies. Adhering to patient privacy and safety rules. Making critical decisions on the spot. These new layers require a higher level of knowledge and training.
As nurses’ roles expand and patients rely more and more on nursing care, they become a more critical part of an integrated health care team. But while demand for such versatile nurses is high, their supply is critically low. That means the nursing education they receive becomes all the more crucial.
According to Marla Salmon, Dean, University of Washington School of Nursing, “It is clear that nursing’s capacity to provide even the most basic services is more challenged than ever, given the increase in chronic disease, demographics of our population and limitations on resources. Add to this the increasing system’s administrative and technological requirements associated with managing care, improving quality and safety, developing new and better ways to improve health, and educating future generations of nurses” (Salmon, 2010).
In the area of nurse education, technology is helping improve training effectiveness—and empower nurses to deliver better care—through the use of high-fidelity simulation labs, like those found at the University of Phoenix College of Nursing. When used in conjunction with clinicals and classroom instruction, the labs can help produce safer, more efficient, more confident nurses.
Technology impacting current and future nurse education
Offered through the Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, the University’s labs are comprised of scenarios using computerized, life-like manikins that mimic body functions—such as bleeding, breathing, blood pressure and heart rate—and corresponding patient responses.
Two University of Phoenix graduates, Jane Kleinman and Kristy Chambers, were instrumental in developing and implementing the labs—housed at the Denver, Colo.; Honolulu, Hawaii; Modesto, Calif.; and Phoenix, Ariz., campuses—and in training the faculty in the scenarios. The University’s simulation training seeks to:
- Allow nurses to practice procedures on manikins before administering them on live patients. This way, there is no risk to the health and safety of human patients and themselves.
- Foster confidence and comfort with mastering new skills. Nurses are able to make mistakes and learn from them, and practice procedures multiple times so they can review their decisions and techniques.
- Train for situations and health conditions that may not present themselves during a clinical learning situation.
- Keep nursing students on track to meet their clinical schedules so they don’t fall behind should they miss traditional clinicals due to illness or other reasons. Ensuring students can get the practice they need is a major consideration when there’s a demand to get as many nurses in the field as possible. “Being creative with our training technology to help keep our students on-schedule is part of the University of Phoenix mindset,” says Angie Strawn, Associate Dean of Nursing. “We desperately need nurses in this country, and we can’t afford to let our students fall a semester behind if they miss one week of clinical.” (Hughes, 2010, High-fidelity simulations prove their worth)
Standardizing simulations
Standardizing nursing education—including simulation labs—can help current and future nurses learn similar processes and outcomes based on evidence-based practice. In fact, the University’s labs are structured using the same scenarios at each of the four campuses so learned concepts and skills are consistent. While its simulation labs are designed to train in those processes and outcomes, they’re meant to be a tool—not a total replacement for clinicals. They’re created to be as close to real life as possible, supplementing traditional clinical experiences.
By incorporating these high-fidelity simulations into the main curriculum, students in the LPN-to-BSN program can learn skills in a safe, controlled environment. This way nurses will be better prepared to apply those skills in a real work setting—whether it’s a hospital, nursing home or clinic—and to more easily take on the extra layers of responsibilities.
References
Hicks, F.D.; Coke, L.; & Li, S. (2009). The effect of high-fidelity simulation on nursing students’ knowledge and performance: A pilot study. Chicago, IL: National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
Hughes, J.E. (2010, January 28). High-fidelity simulation at University of Phoenix puts nursing students on the cutting edge. University of Phoenix.
Hughes, J.E. (2010, January 28). High-fidelity simulations prove their worth during H1N1 epidemic. University of Phoenix.
Hughes, J.E. (2010, January 28). University of Phoenix offers dynamic, comprehensive nursing program. University of Phoenix.
The LPN/LVN to BSN degree programs are currently offered at the following campuses: Denver, Colo.; Honolulu, Hawaii; Modesto, Calif.; and Phoenix, Ariz.
