Kent State University’s College of Nursing opened the Olga A. Mural Nursing Simulation Laboratory, on April 23,2008. This laboratory is a state-of-the-art environment in Henderson Hall, designed to emulate the conditions and situations nurses encounter in realistic settings.  The nursing simulation laboratory was a component  of a generous $1 million gift from Olga A. Mural.

The new laboratory complex includes three simulated patient care areas pods outfitted with a high-fidelity manikin, interactive adult and baby manikins, and a virtual intravenous arm simulator for the practice of skills and critical thinking in realistic clinical situations. Small group observation of patient care is incorporated through a large two-way mirror between the patient care complex and the viewing seminar room.  Faculty members facilitate learning by integrating realistic clinical scenarios and video recording of performance with guided reflection. 

Patient conditions and responses to illness and treatment can be simulated to challenge learners to practice competencies and critically analyze results. This technology enables faculty to create clinical education that is tailored to health care needs, therefore improving nursing care and patient safety.  Dr. Nancy Aho, Coordinator of the Olga A. Mural Nursing Simulation Laboratory, states that, “The laboratory and innovative technology provides a new dimension to engage students, university colleagues and health care and advancement through collaborative education, research and development.”  This technology provides opportunities for student learning that are almost endless!

The new College of Nursing Olga A. Mural Nursing Simulation Laboratory complex includes three simulated patient care areas and a viewing/seminar room.  This complex includes a high fidelity manikin; interactive adult and baby manikins; and a virtual intravenous arm for practice skills and critical thinking in realistic clinical situations.  The SIM Baby® patient care area uses a fully-functional neonatal infant warmer. The manikins are products of Laerdal Medical. The care areas have compressed air to allow the manikins to actually“breathe” and wall units with simulated oxygen and suction.  A critical care cart, equipped with a training defibrillator, ambu bag, and supplies for demonstration, provides the learners with the tools to rehearse their role in emergency situations.

All three patient simulation areas have touch screen monitors, cameras, and microphones for interactive student learning.  Small group observation of nursing care is possible through a large two-way mirror between the simulated patient care complex and the viewing/seminar room.  Both areas have audiovisual display equipment for additional group observation and instruction.  Faculty members facilitate learning by integrating realistic clinical scenarios and video recording of performance with guided reflection.

http://stream.kent.edu:8800/einside/nursingsimlab08.wmv

Highlights

3 Patient care areas
SIM Man® manikins
A SIM Baby® manikin in a fully-functional infant warmer
State-of-the-art beds and equipment
Emergency task training with crash cart
Custom-computerized scenarios
Two-way observation window
Viewing/seminar room

The nursing simulation laboratory was made possible by a generous gift from Olga A.Mural. 

Contact person:  Nancy B. Aho, PhD, RN, CNS
Coordinator,Olga A. Mural Nursing Simulation Laboratory
Phone:330-672-3686
Email:  naho@kent.edu