Welcome to the Panther Nursing Simulation Center
The Nursing Simulation Center is a student focused laboratory setting that allows students to experience patient care situations in a safe learning environment. The simulation center is set up with progressive lab modules for nursing students to learn and practice skills as well as develop clinical reasoning to promote patient centered care. The simulation center also promotes collaborative practice with DPT and Counselor Education students with integrated labs and our end of the year Simulated Disaster Management Lab which also includes the Theatre & Dance program. In 2018 we incorporated Standardized Patients into our lab modules.
Below are a few of our simulation labs that have been incorporated into the curriculum:
Disaster Lab
Each Spring, the Nursing department collaborates with the Theatre and Counselor Education departments, as well as experts in the field, to simulate a mass casualty incident response. The Theatre students are moulaged to play patients and staff who have been wounded following an explosion at a primary care center. Nursing students, faculty and staff work together to triage and treat wounded victims while Counselor Education students manage the emotional support needed during a crisis. The experience provides rich learning opportunities for all involved and all groups are able to reflect on their experience together to offer up their unique perspectives. This simulation is one of the many examples of interdisciplinary, cluster-based learning that the PSU Nursing program has to offer.
No participants are injured during this simulation lab and all wounds are are special FX.
Improving Nursing Care in Rural Communities Through Poverty Simulation
In our Poverty Simulation Lab we explore our attitudes and beliefs about people who live in poverty with the use of the Missouri Community Action Poverty Simulation kit. This program allows the student to experience the daily barriers people face living in poverty within a safe, controlled environment.
Implications for rural nursing practice: Poverty is a widespread issue that can affect numerous people in rural communities, it is necessary for future health care providers to care for people with a holistic patient centered care approach. The need to identify barriers to health care and potential biases is important to promote excellence in nursing care. As nurses we must advocate strongly for this population and be aware of community resources that are available.
Why simulation? Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. But unless you’ve experienced poverty, it’s difficult to truly understand. The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) bridges that gap from misconception to understanding. CAPS is an interactive immersion experience. It sensitizes community participants to the realities of poverty (Missouri Community Action Project 2020).
