School of Nursing opens Simulation Lab

Sharon Regional's School of Nursing opened the new Simulation Lab in early 2009. The availability of the Lab placed the School of Nursing in the computer-assisted age of nursing education. The Lab increases educational opportunities for students and provides flexibility in learning approaches for faculty.

The Simulation Lab features Laerdal VitalSim equipment: Three adult, one child and one infant simulator are available for skill acquisition and higher-level patient care simulation. The lab environment consists of a large “nursing care” area where the Simulators are housed, along with other nursing equipment. 

The lab also contains a learning station area where four laptop computers are located for use in numerous learning activities.  

Utilizing the Simulation Lab provides a safe environment for students to practice skills prior to care of patients within the hospital. The lab also provides opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking and decision-making skills as they progress through the curriculum.

Various scenarios are developed for each course that require students to solve nursing problems with the simulator “patients” and in doing so, explore all possible answers and decisions. The Lab is a confidence builder for students.

The use of simulation is an adjunct, enhancement option for use in addition to clinical experiences in the hospital setting.