Posted: 8/29/2011
The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing is adding a couple of branches to its virtual family tree this fall as it happily welcomes SimNewB and Sim Man 3G to its simulation manikin family.
“The use of simulation in nursing education is increasing and Hopkins is at the forefront of utilizing it,” said Joyce Vazzano, instructor in the Department of Acute and Chronic Care. “We are increasing the amount of simulation being used in our nursing curriculum (both baccalaureate and graduate) so the need for more manikins is evident.”
SimNewB is an interactive simulator “born” by Laerdal and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is a 7 pound, 21 inch female baby, with realistic newborn traits. Students will be able to simulate a wide variety of patient conditions with her, including life-threatening ones. The department’s current Sim baby is the size of a 6 month old and is not as conducive to delivery room procedures.
Sim Man 3G and SimNewB are both interactive, but unlike SimNewB, Sim Man 3G is wireless. It is equipped with breath sounds both anteriorly and posteriorly, has pupil reactions, skin temperature changes.
SimNewB’s addition is partially supported by a $27,000 grant from the Woman’s Board of Hopkins Hospital to the SON Maternal Child Health Program. Sim Man 3G is coming via the Needs Based Grad Education II grant.
“We are excited about both our new additions,” says Vazzano. “Through simulation, we feel that team dynamics improves (students learn to communicate with the patient, family members, health care team), they refine their critical thinking skills and increase their confidence levels. It facilitates practice in a risk-free environment and (hopefully) will help improve patient outcomes.”