Dr. Jeanette Embry, an assistant professor of nursing, and Khristi McKelvy, simulation coordinator, talk into a microphone.
By Raylyn Bowers
Ranger Reporter
The nursing program just added a new SimMan Essential Manikin and a baby manikin to its collection.
AC has two other manikins, a SimMan 3G and a Noel birthing simulator, in addition to the new equipment.
The manikins are being used to help educate students in a safe environment.
“This allows them to practice their decision-making skills and allows them to make mistakes that wouldn’t be allowed on a real person,” said Khristi McKelvy, clinical simulation coordinator.
The manikins, purchased using a Perkins Grant, are used in the nursing program to supplement clinicals. Having a manikin gives students the opportunity to make diagnoses, practice giving reports to doctors and nurses and work on their teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
“It helps to have the manikin to learn on so you aren’t so nervous when you’re working with a patient,” said Starla Wampler, a nursing major.
The nursing department had a simulation exercise Friday. At the beginning of the exercise, the students were given a folder explaining the patient history. Then students volunteered to work with the manikin.
One of the features of the manikin is its ability to talk. An instructor has the capability to speak for the manikin using a microphone in a different room.
While students were working with the manikin, an instructor acted like a patient would, talking through the manikin.
The nursing students involved in the simulation also are doing clinicals.
Clinicals involve the student observing and taking care of one patient under the instruction of a certified nurse.
They are involved in all the procedures but are not allowed to make any executive decisions involving the care of the patient.
“It’s much more nerve-wracking being in a simulation than being in a hospital, because in a simulation everyone is watching,” said Maegan Aguirre, a nursing major.
According to the Laerdal website, some of the features on the SimMan Essential are:
Controllable open/closed airway; automatically or manually controlled, head tilt/chin lift, blinking eyes, eyes open, closed and partially open, eye inserts, manually change pupils, IV arm (right arm) Establish I, simulated spontaneous breathing, bilateral and unilateral chest rise and fall, CO2 exhalation, normal and abnormal breath sounds, and heart sounds-four anterior locations.
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