Clinical Simulation

Hey friends,

I have the amazing blessing of being one of the senior clinical lab assistants to the Sophomore nursing class this year. This means I will be one of the students helping teach them skills such as vital signs, head to toes, med math, and subcutaneous injections. I am also tag-teaming with another student the simulation days where students will perform these skills in a room with a two-way mirror and mannequin.

Nursing school simulations are nerve wracking. At my school you are in a room with a creepy, computer controlled mannequin performing skills under constant observation. We are also video recorded which allows us to critique ourselves if we so choose to watch it.  

Preparing for these simulations can help relieve some of those nerves. 

You will probably receive some sort of paperwork prior to simulation that informs you of what the day is actually about. Research the medical history for your proposed patient. Make a concept map to help your brain connect ideas and remember them for tomorrow. 

It is also a good idea to do a basic head to toe on one of your roommates because this is most likely what they will be watching you for. Hide your cheat sheet of what you are supposed to do during a head to toe and see how well you do by yourself.

One beauty of simulations is that you are not taking care of a live patient, so take a breathe, you are not going to endanger anyone's life. You may be comfortable taking care of patients, but performing in front of professors is nerving. Take a breath and remember that they are just there to help you strengthen your skills as a nurse. 

Really view this experience as something to learn from. Ask your professors about any concepts you do not understand. If your simulation did not go as well as you hoped, then ask your professor to go over it with you.

My first simulation was a pretty basic patient. My professors were only monitoring that we correctly knew a head to toe and how to take vital signs. The hardest part of the day was getting my ear to tune out the mechanics so I could listen to the bowel sounds. 

If my video is still saved on the computer on skill and if I get approval from my school, I might post it on here, but I have to see. 

Hope this helps!