Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
High-fidelity simulation provides nursing students with a safe environment to develop clinical judgment before caring for real patients.
Students from Southeast Arkansas College’s Practical Nursing program recently experienced high-fidelity simulation firsthand during a July 9 visit to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing’s Innovative Practice and Simulation Center.
Students participated in patient care scenarios designed to strengthen clinical decision-making, teamwork, and communication.
The experience took place in the college’s nearly 7,000-square-foot simulation center in Little Rock, where students practice patient care skills before entering clinical settings.
Simulation Gives Students a Safe Place to Build Clinical Skills
Fermin Renteria, DNP, APRN, assistant professor and coordinator of the Innovative Practice and Simulation Center, said simulation improves patient safety by allowing students to make mistakes without risking harm to patients.
“This is a safe space to make mistakes and ask questions,” he said. “It’s a place where you should feel free to participate, explore, and contribute to the education of the entire group.”
During one simulation, students cared for a 58-year-old patient admitted to the intensive care unit with chest pain using a high-fidelity manikin designed to realistically mimic changes in a patient’s condition. After performing an initial assessment, they responded when the patient’s condition suddenly deteriorated and required life-saving interventions.
Students in another room observed the simulation through a live video feed before joining participants for a debriefing that reviewed strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Students Explore the Next Step
Ava Coleman, director of recruitment and community outreach for the College of Nursing, said the event was designed to give students firsthand experience with the school’s approach to nursing education while helping them feel more confident about continuing their education.
“The goal of this event was to show students what makes the UAMS College of Nursing so special and to let them experience our innovative skills training firsthand,” Coleman said. “We know taking that next step toward nursing can feel a little scary, but we want students to see that they’re not doing it alone. When you come to UAMS, you’re joining a family that’s here to support you, challenge you, and help you succeed from Day One.”
Janet James, a Southeast Arkansas College senior graduating from the Practical Nursing program this summer, said serving as the lead nurse during the simulation strengthened her interest in applying to UAMS’ BSN program.
“I think UAMS is a great place to further your education,” she said. “By getting hands-on experience in these settings, you get a better idea of what to do in a real-life situation.”
