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Students from Southeast Arkansas College participate in a simulation exercise during their July 9 visit to the UAMS College of Nursing’s Innovative Practice and Simulation Center.
Image by Chris Carmody
College of Nursing Event Showcases State-of-the-Art Simulation Training
| The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing recently welcomed a group of students from Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) for an event that showcased some of the high-tech tools employed by UAMS to train the next generation of nurses.
The students are part of SEARK’s Practical Nursing program, which trains them to obtain certification as licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
Under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses, LPNs provide basic care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings. For those who wish to advance further in the nursing profession, the next step is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which trains students to obtain certification as registered nurses (RNs).
During their July 9 visit, the SEARK students received an overview of the UAMS College of Nursing’s BSN program — from foundational courses to clinical training. Brook Scalzo, MNSc, RN, assistant professor in the College of Nursing’s Innovative Practice and Simulation Center, said the college fosters a collaborative environment that leaves students well-prepared for their nursing careers.
“I think our faculty members are what set us apart here at UAMS,” she said. “They’re extremely accessible, and they care about your success.”
The Innovative Practice and Simulation Center, which takes up nearly 7,000 square feet in the Education II and Shorey buildings on the UAMS campus in Little Rock, provides a state-of-the-art learning environment for nursing students at every stage of their education.
Fermin Renteria, DNP, APRN, assistant professor and coordinator of the center, said simulation-based learning enhances the safety of the healthcare system by improving communication among providers and reducing mistakes.
“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.”
Renteria led several students through a simulation that featured a 58-year-old man who was admitted into the intensive care unit after experiencing chest pain. With a high-fidelity manikin serving as their patient, the students conducted an initial evaluation and performed life-saving maneuvers when the patient’s vital signs took a turn for the worse.
Meanwhile, those who weren’t taking part in the simulation viewed the proceedings on a live feed from another room. After the patient was successfully revived, the students reunited for a debriefing session that analyzed the group’s strengths as well as areas that needed improvement.
“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,” said Ava Coleman, the college’s director of recruitment and community outreach. “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 senior who is graduating from the SEARK program this summer, said she is interested in applying for the BSN program at UAMS. After serving as lead nurse during the simulation, she noted that the experience was eye-opening for her as well as for her classmates.
“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.”