Adventist Health Simulation Lab Opens for Clinical Training
HANFORD – The Adventist Health / Central Valley Network Clinical Education Department has opened the new Simulation Lab to provide staff and nursing students the ability to train in realistic situations through performing standard practices with “fake” patients in a simulated hospital environment.
The lab, in one of the units of the former Hanford Community Medical Center building, now Adventist Health / Support Services, was funded by a $75,000 grant in 2011 as a part of the Adventist Health Corporate Innovation campaign. The Kings Regional Health Foundation also donated $35,000 to supply defibrillators for the lab.
Staff can practice mock codes, insert IVs, perform infusions procedures or check vital signs on three realistic adult mannequins. One of the mannequins is a high-fidelity piece of equipment complete with a monitor and a Blue Tooth-connected laptop for Education staff to adjust the vitals, heartbeat or breathing patterns. The lab also offers a debrief room where staff can view videos of themselves during the role-play scenarios.
“The lab helps stimulate critical thinking and improve patient care,” said Clinical Education Coordinator Debbie Lemaster. “It also benefits staff by refreshing their knowledge and skills that occur infrequently, especially if they are high-risk situations.”
Six new nursing graduates began training in the Simulation Lab on March 4 in an effort to integrate them into Adventist Health facilities by familiarizing them with standards and practices.
The pilot program is currently for Medical/Surgical students at Adventist Medical Center – Hanford. The graduates from College of the Sequoias and California State University, Fresno will complete the 12-week program which rotates through the Simulation Lab and other hospital departments.
An Open House for staff, physicians and community members to tour the new Simulation Lab will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 at Adventist Health / Support Services, 450 N. Greenfield Ave. in Hanford. There will be tours, refreshments and prize drawings. To RSVP, contact the Education Department at 559-537-2010.
