As a result of funding provided by Economic Opportunities through Education by 2015 (EcO15), Ivy Tech Community College-Columbus has received highly specialized equipment to be used in newly renovated healthcare clinical simulation labs at the campus to assist in teaching various aspects of the nursing profession to students. The equipment includes state-of-the-art technology and mannequins that can be programmed to present high fidelity simulations of a wide range of symptoms and conditions experienced by patients.
Learning through simulation labs with highly specialized mannequins is recognized by the National League for Nursing as an effective teaching resource, according to Dr. Michael Siegel, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Ivy Tech. The simulations represent an evolutionary development in effective instruction that builds student skills in critical thinking and problem solving. Simulation could potentially reduce the time involved in patient-based clinical education and reduce the burden of scheduling and delivering nursing student clinical rotations, according to Siegel.
Some infant, child, and adult mannequins contain simulated systems and organs, allowing for the practice of many procedures, such as IV cannulation, catheterization, venipuncture, injections, irrigation of the eye and ear, oxygen delivery, tracheostomy care, defibrillation, drug administration, and wound care. Other mannequins simulate vital functions and sounds, such as pulse, heart beat and respiration.
When completed this summer, the renovations at the college will provide three simulation areas: one in which labor and delivery will be simulated, a second for medical and surgical situations, and a third to simulate an examination room. In addition, the floor plan includes two debriefing rooms in which high resolution videos, which have recorded students’ performance in simulated clinical scenarios, can be reviewed and appropriate treatment discussed. Videos of simulated clinical scenarios may be piped into neighboring classrooms in order for a larger number of students to discuss treatment techniques and appropriate nursing care.
Although the equipment and lab space is initially intended for nursing applications, students enrolled in medical assisting, health care support, and paramedic science programs may ultimately benefit from the simulation labs. Once the labs are in place and working, the facilities may also be accessible to personnel and students from secondary schools, IUPUC, Columbus Regional Hospital, and other healthcare professionals, so that the investment of time, resources, and equipment will be beneficial for the entire community, according to Siegel. “We are extremely pleased with the funding from EcO15, which will allow us to offer our students a cutting-edge learning experience through these simulation labs,” said Siegel.
Through EcO15, the Southeast Indiana Health Education Network has been created. This network of secondary and post-secondary institutions and hospitals will benefit from EcO15 funding to support equipment similar to that provided to Ivy Tech-Columbus, according to Stephanie Weber, Communications & Outreach Coordinator for EcO15. The network involves organizations in the counties of Bartholomew, Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, and Switzerland. Network partners include the Columbus Area Career Connection; Columbus Regional Hospital; Decatur Memorial County Hospital; Dearborn County Hospital; Hanover College; IUPUC; Ivy Tech Community Colleges in Columbus, Lawrenceburg, and Madison; King’s Daughter Hospital and Health Services; Margaret Mary Community Hospital; Schneck Medical Center; Southeastern Career Center; and St. Vincent’s Jennings Hospital.
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly-accredited statewide community college system with more than 150,000 students enrolled annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
Tags: Nursing