ENHANCED NURSE TRAINING

Our manikins are turning human! More aptly, CONHI recently swapped some of our training practice from manikins to real-life simulated participants. Simulated participants are trained individuals who portray a real patient to simulate a set of symptoms or problems.

Beginning in 2021, our first semester junior BSN students experienced the “bed, bath, and beyond” training, where they practiced morning care and changing sheets for patients in a hospital setting with a simulated participant playing the role of the patient.

“These types of trainings had previously been done with manikins. While effective, we have a closer experience to the real-life situation students will encounter by using real people for them to interact with during these simulations,” said Jennifer Roye, assistant dean for simulation and technology in CONHI.

“Having simulated participants is a great opportunity because they give you real-life experiences, such as responding or reacting back,” says Rizzy Reyes, a student in the BSN program.

The Smart Hospital and Smart Lab continue to identify additional trainings where they can bring in simulated participants to provide a more realistic experience for our students.

2021-22

UTA broke ground on the new School of Social Work/Smart Hospital Building.

Barbara Schneider appointed as CONHI’s Endowed Chair in Gerontological Nursing Excellence.