Virtual wards help nursing skills
UniSA’s
nursing and midwifery students are learning their craft in a
true-to-life environment with the opening of two new nursing skills
laboratories.
The two labs in the Centenary Building were designed to be as close to authentic wards as possible to help fully prepare students for their chosen careers.
Each lab contains 12 beds, complete with their own simulated oxygen, suction, call bell, light, and computer screen which is linked to a central computer.
The fully-equipped laboratories allow students to practise a range of skills and master techniques such as managing intravenous therapy, taking blood pressure or suctioning a tracheostomy.
Skills laboratories coordinator Michelle Cunnew said the new facilities offered a very realistic experience for student nurses and midwives.
“They are designed to be simulated clinical environments similar to wards in a hospital,” she said.
“This is where the students gain experience before they undertake each clinical placement in hospitals.”
Students from a range of courses will use the labs, including overseas educated nurses completing the 24-week Australian Registered Nurse Training Program.
“There are various things they need to learn as part of their hands-on experience,” Cunnew said.
“One week they might be learning complex wound management or how to take
blood sugar levels and administer insulin.”
Students also use mannequins and a range of anatomical models to practise
their skills.
The laboratories, one of which has been sponsored by NASANSB nursing
agency as part of Blueprint 2005, will be officially opened on July 12.