The use of simulation as a learning tool has been integrated throughout the nursing curriculum at Penn State Behrend. From learning handwashing and vital signs through child birth and the resuscitation of critically ill patients, the Nursing Technology Lab and Simulation Center offers students a safe environment in which to learn and practice their clinical skills.
While we have a vast array of simulation equipment available to our learners, 
simulation begins with a firm understanding of the educational process to develop a curriculum to best meet the needs of our learners. Once the intended learning outcomes have been established, the appropriate simulation equipment can then be selected. This process serves to match the right tool for the right job (equipment fidelity).
Successful sessions also require insightful feedback from the facilitators. The simulation itself only encompasses part of the student learning, and often is only a fraction of the time spent compared to the post-scenario debriefing. Through the debriefing process, the facilitator can help students explore and challenge their thoughts, assumptions and actions within the simulation scenario leading to a more deep understanding of the core concepts surrounding the exercise. Nick Miehl, the NTLSC Coordinator, has attended the Comprehensive Simulation Instructor Workshop at Harvard University’s Center for Medical Simulation and actively works with teaching faculty to enhance the debriefing process.
While the NTLSC has developed and delivered a number of simulation-based courses, we are constantly building upon existing courses and developing new and novel methods for delivering simulation-based education. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or interest in how you may be able to integrate simulation-based learning into your curriculum. Examples of courses include:
Nursing |
Pre-Hospital |
Medicine |
Graduate Nurse Orientation (Medical/Surgical, Critical Care and OB Scenarios) Hemodynamic Monitoring Malignant Hyperthermia/ACLS (OR) Crew Resource Management during Emergent Situations |
Basic and Trauma Assessment Management of Medical Emergencies Management of Trauma Emergencies Management of the Critical Care Patient Management of Pediatric Emergencies ACLS Scenarios Advanced Airway Management Managing the High-Risk OB Patient
|
ED Resident Orientation and Skills Training Care of the Critically Ill Patient Care of the Trauma Patient Care of the Critically Ill Child Advanced Airway Training |