When second-year nursing student Alex Harris practices medical techniques on her sick patient, she’s not afraid of her charge taking a turn for the worse.
In the lab, her patient is nothing more than a mannequin.
A recent government grant has equipped the school of nursing with state of the art computerized mannequins—complete with pulses, respiratory functions and varying degrees of illness. New this year, these patient simulators allow students to assess injuries and observe reactions to certain medical treatments.
Through computer software programs, professors can alter the “patients’” medical conditions, and students can monitor and assess their reactions to treatment.
Harris said the new equipment is a good teaching tool.
“The simulation labs make the transition to a real patient a lot smoother,” Harris said. “They have all the functions of a human, but if you mess up, it’s OK.”
Danielle Berard, Nurs ’06, said she believes the mannequins create a realistic atmosphere.
“They are very good tools because you have the chance to learn skills in a similar-to-real situation, without potential to harm your patient—since it is a mannequin.”
The new simulation labs are mandatory for second-year students, to help them learn to apply their theoretical knowledge from lectures towards a more practical application.
The students also practice on real patients at the Kingston General Hospital under the supervision of graduate students and professors.
“When you’re actually practicing what you know on a human, it can get kind of nerve-wracking. The patient simulators help a lot with this,” Harris said. “The new equipment gives us the opportunity to practice on something that’s close to being human.” She said the equipment is a good stepping stone between learning the information and using it in real life.
In December of last year, the Ontario government reported a renewed financial commitment to improving nursing care and education.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care announced the Ontario Nursing Strategy, an increase in funding for Ontario’s nursing facilities. The strategy provides a total of $29.1 million, including a $10 million province-wide increase for clinical simulation initiatives.
According to a January release, the Ministry’s increase in funding aims to heighten the learning experience for undergraduates and create new jobs for already-practicing nurses.
The Ministry’s release reported the strategy will create more full-time nursing positions and enhance educational and professional opportunities for all nurses.
The provincial government also recognized the importance of having hands-on experience in a clinical situation.
“Patient simulation allows students to experience a broader range of clinical problems, giving them the opportunity to enhance their skills and increase their confidence as they enter the workforce,” the report said.
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