Nursing Training Manikins: Essential Opportunities

 

Simulation creates transformational learning experience for all nursing students and provides diverse perspectives on caring for patients across the continuum of care...

Plus, a simulation scenario focused on a single concept can be used for multiple programs of study. For example, a simulation involving medication safety can be used for both prelicen sure students and graduate students. This allows instructors and administrators to design simulations for learners in multiple programs while maximizing human, space, and financial resources. The Nursing Training Manikins work perfect there.

And, perhaps the most important reason to use simulation in nursing education: Students love using is! A happy learner is an engaged learner!

How nursing instructors can become simulation champions

Nursing schools are increasingly challenged to provide high-quality clinical experiences for students, and simulation can provide invaluable learning experiences that replicate clinical ones. Guidelines and quality measures for simulation programs have been published by groups such as the International Nursing association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), so nursing instructors aren't on their own in this. In fact, the most recent simulation standards provide educators, clinicians, and researchers with best practices to design, facilitate, and evaluate simulation experiences, which ensure high-quality simulations for optimal learner outcomes. Both instructors and students are evaluated to ensure the simulation experiences meet course and program outcomes.

Conclusion

But the reality is, many nursing instructors are understandably reluctant to use new technology. Many have had negative experiences with technology vendors in the past, or are afraid they won’t be able to figure out how to use the technology to its utmost capabilities.

When you show up for simulation lab, you’ll be assigned to care for a ‘patient’ exhibiting one or several of the conditions you were assigned. This could be with another student or solo. Meanwhile, your instructor will observe you through a two-way mirror, where he or she can control the simulator and even talk to you (as the patient). This allows him or her to test your ability to critically assess the situation and respond to what is happening in real time.