The first preparation for patient care begins in the Innovative Practice Center with Nursing 321, "Nursing Assessment of Clients." Prior to first patient contact, students taking N.321 learn and refine patient assessment techniques (at left) which when combined with basic skills such as taking vital signs, dressing changes, and giving bed baths provides a solid foundation in nursing diagnosis and in formulating plans of care with patients.
Students continue their education with frequent visits to the IPC as the curriculum progresses. Medication, venipuncture, intravenous therapy and simulation labs are strategically scheduled to complement lecture material. The mannequins allow the addition of simulated patient care scenarios appropriate to the student course level, enhancing the student's clinical experience. The student also gains experience in clinical decision making, communication and the development of psychomotor skills in a safe environment that allows for mistakes without harm to the patient.
Additional technology also provides students' access to skills videos, lecture materials, clinical decision making software and intravenous therapy preparation. Two Virtual IV computerized simulators (at right) allow the blending of tactile and visual skills with the didactic portion of peripheral IV insertion. Students have the ability to download videos and lectures to IPods for review at their convenience.
