-The Institute of Medicine recommends simulation as a method of teaching interventions in high risk situations. Simulation can improve outcomes in four areas: laboratory, patient care, patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs. It also increases the amount of knowledge that a person retains and increases self-confidence in the healthcare worker. -Simulation allows individuals to “learn, practice, and repeat procedures as often as necessary in order to correct mistakes, fine-tune their sills and optimize clinical outcomes” (Patow, 2005). This results in improved skills without harm to the real patients and improved self-confidence in clinical practice. -The effectiveness of simulation and use of manikins are directly related to the method of presentation of the materials. Studies have shown that the use of simulations have a 75% retention rate. The only method that allows for better retention was to teach the material to others. -Locally: at Rush Medical Center, a new simulation center just opened with 8 manikins and is in huge demand amongst the students and faculty. -Photo: (njattyblog, n.d.) -Simulation and Manikins are effective in teaching nursing students, healthcare professionals, and medical students. They improve skills such as insertion of Foley Catheter, proper administration of medications, insertion of an NG tube, assessing mother and baby after delivery, etc They also improve critical thinking by positively forcing students to work at a fast-pace
This simulation experience allowed me to practice my focused assessment skills, delegation of tasks, prioritization on of tasks, interdisciplinary communication skills, and skills that I have not been able to participate in such as blood administration. I learned that my strengths are patient education, delegation, noticing changes in patient condition, and working as a member of a team. I need to improve my speed of completing tasks, my confidence, and my process of working through new skills.
The intent of clinical simulations is to provide a safe environment for students to practice and implement skills. This is a way in which to help prepare the student for the hospital setting. Enhanced confidence, clinical judgment, knowledge, and competence are factors that come from these situations. I gained further knowledge, but I did not experience the other skills during simulation. During the postpartum-hemorrhage and birthing simulation, I purposefully picked the scenarios that I felt most comfortable with. That entailed being the spouse of the woman in labor, the nursing assistant, and the patient’s family member. When embodying those roles, I felt at ease, because I was not the fixation; I was not the one in charge of the situation. During the preeclampsia simulation, I was “dubbed” the staff nurse. I was definitely out of my comfort zone. I was in the second group, and this allowed me to observe the first group. I learned and made alterations from the first group’s performance. Observing the first group helped, but my performance was poor. I made several mistakes and was embarrassed by the end result. I did not do well with the assessments, answering the patient’s questions appropriately, and when calling the doctor, I was not fully prepared. Despite all the mistakes and feelings of embarrassment, I learned. I am very thankful for the awareness of what things went wrong. With further practice and
The simulation environment offers a safe place for students to practice critical scenarios and gain confidence in proscribed settings (Decker, Sportsman, Puetz, & Billings, 2008). Simulation helps faculty to facilitate learning which meets one of the NLN’s core competencies. Simulation also enhances communication through emerging leadership and delegation skills, and builds teamwork through goal and priority setting (Dillon, Noble, & Kaplan, 2009). Therefore, according to Lasater (2007) simulation is highly effective as an adjunct teaching strategy in clinical practice.
Cooper, S., Buykx, P., & McConnell-Henry, T. (2011). Simulation: Can it eliminate failure to rescue? Nursing Times, 107(3), 18-20.
Data plays an important role in this research. Collecting adequate and accurate data is paramount. Prior to data collection, requirements have to be established on what statistics are required for research. To build an accurate simulation model, each detail within the process has to be captured. Process maps have been put together to capture the patient flow and understand resource utilization as various types of patients use different resources for statistically variable amount of time.
I have experienced being a part of simulation labs during my clinical rotation on pediatrics. The pediatrician, residents, medical students, nurses, nursing students and anyone else were welcome to attend and encouraged to take part. This is an example of teamwork building as the students have an opportunity to learn each other’s roles and practice communication under the supervision of practiced doctors and nurses, who can provide valuable
The second stage of the simulation is during the scenario interaction, at which point the group was required to utilize the clinical reasoning cycle to guide, generate and
For instance, in simulation a couple times it was either the family would be fed for the week or get medication for the asthmatic child. The choice was to feed the family instead of getting the medication. Well, luckily the child didn’t have an asthma attack during the time. This is realistic because when you think of it, if a family of 3 were starving, food would be main priority. This obviously puts the child at risk. In some families, they are just not able to afford the medication. That is why the medical needs to do their research before giving the script to make sure the family can afford what medication is needed to help one
Deliberate practise also allows us to standardise exposure for all trainees and try to combat stress that may arise from students feeling inadequately prepared for their role. Simulation also allows for learners to choose which skills they feel they need to improve and removes the need for a specific surgical scenario to arise before they can practice it. adult learning thing.
My answers were not decisive which reflect my weak critical thinking skill. For example, when it comes to medication administration, in instances where things are not clear, it should always be referred to the doctor which in this case I belatedly remembered. Nurses should also make sure that they knew how to use all the equipment that is used in the nursing care. In a medical emergency situation, every second counts. In the simulation, epinephrine administration was delayed since the nurse did not know how to use the automatic injection. Over-all the simulation had a significant impact to my learning process.
For the past several months, I have had the incredible opportunity of being a research intern at Carolinas Simulation Center (CSC). The research and simulation at CSC are cutting-edge and at the forefront of improving patient safety. Coming from an undergrad background in biology and cell-based research, simulation was new to me, and I was unsure of what to expect. However, the onboarding process was very helpful and prepared me well for my role.
For years nurses have gained experience in the medical field through clinical rounds at hospitals and doctors offices. Learning has always taken place first through textbooks and then through personal experience during required clinical time. These methods have proven effective but include limitations to the amount of exposure a student can gain before entering the workforce. A new way of learning is on the rise with the use of High Fidelity Simulations (HFS) or the Sim Man. HFS is a computerized life size manikin that simulates real human responses to treatment. This new technology allows students to practice rare procedures or treat common diagnoses.
Sometimes failure can really be the best teacher. This was the case with the Lakeview Regional Hospital Simulation Exercise. During the simulation, I learned a lot about working with a team, knowing when to stand firm and when to compromise. I have been a part of plenty of projects, but sometimes I can be a little lost when it comes to the healthcare aspects of things. It was during these times that I looked to my teammates to assist with filling in some valuable blanks about the healthcare environment. I do have a lot of experience with introducing technology, training and media relations. It was during these parts of the simulation that I could really lend a helping hand. The simulation illustrated the importance of buy-in amongst the implementation team as well as other members of the entire organizations. It showed that there will always be some inherent resistance, but that doesn’t mean that change is impossible as long as there is some flexibility.
Hospitals are working towards a more team-based training. The last couple years most of my training has been in a simulation lab. I feel it improves communication, teamwork, reinforces skills and new practices. Hands-on simulation experience allows healthcare workers to get messy, make mistakes and sharpen problem-solving skills — with no risk to patients. As nurses, we collaborate with each other on a daily basis but we are trained and tested individually on our skills, theory, and practical situations. As healthcare evolves, stimulation labs should be part of all healthcare works training and testing, that way everyone is better prepared to handle real time events.