Photo provided
Associate Degree Nursing student Billy Propes working with WSCC’s new patient simulator, Pediatric Hal.
Washington State Community College has augmented its nursing lab with two additional human patient simulators. These robot-like mannequins allow for scenario-based training by replicating the clinical experience. They will also serve to supplement some of the hands-on hospital training.
Simulation learning is the process where students practice a procedure in a controlled learning environment. Students practice both clinical skills and critical thinking skills on realistic, interactive training mannequins that simulate a wide range of symptoms allowing students to experience medical emergencies and learn lifesaving skills in a managed setting. This teaching method allows students to gain valuable experience and learn techniques before they advance to a true clinical situation where they are working directly with patients.