New Nursing Lab Extends Learning Beyond Textbooks

Walsh University's newest hands-on learning facility provides Byers School of Nursing students an opportunity to extend learning beyond textbooks to real-life situations. The lab, located in room 203 of the Aultman Health Sciences Center, was renovated during the summer and completed in time for classes this fall.

The nursing lab is an interactive simulation classroom that includes advanced educational technology such as a control room for instructors to record and observe students in simulation settings, a high fidelity simulation patient (iStan), a Fidelis Maternal Fetal Birthing Simulator, iPads, multiple monitors throughout the learning space, secure storage, instructor work station, birthing bed, infant warmer, ventilator and cardiac defibrillator.

Several pod-like computer stations around the room facilitate group work. Interactive quizzing software allows students to take care of patients virtually, and offers feedback on what students did wrong and how they can improve. Students are even able to access the quiz software from their dorm rooms.

"The new 21st Century Learning Environment is providing students with learning opportunities far beyond the traditional classroom setting," said Director of Clinical and Laboratory Experiences Loretta Creager. "As a team, students develop the best plan of care for the patient prior to administering that care to improve quality, build student confidence, and better prepare students for professional practice."

Using the simulation patient, (iStan), students take turns participating in real medical scenarios in front of their peers. In the adjoining control room, the lab coordinator operates iStan and communicates on his behalf. While one student plays the part of the nurse, the other students take notes and offer support as needed. At the end of the simulation, the class comes together to discuss the process and other potential courses of action.