SimLa Innovations
Simulation Lab Innovations. 'Providing innovative ideas and resources for nursing simulation.'
Simovation
Big budget simulation labs sure are nice. All those bells and whistles help woo and recruit students and make for a realistic learning experience. But what about programs that cannot afford the technology that drives nursing simulation? Do you really need the latest and greatest medication dispensing unit, or that proprietary electronic health record software (with annual maintenance fees and per student access fees), or over-the-top expensive human patient simulators?
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There are effective, low-cost solutions available if you have a little time to be creative. This page will show you how with (mostly) one-page project blueprints. These blueprints will give you the basic tools to create your own simlab elements without spending your entire years' budget.
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PowerPoint is your friend
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PowerPoint is an awesome tool that can help you design realistic bedside monitors (either for vital signs, ECGs, or even vents)!
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Thrift store galore!
For those on limited budgets, thrift stores can provide inexpensive solutions to the simlab realism.
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Project Blueprint
Word is the word
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Use the power of Microsoft Word to create Policy & Procedure manuals and teaching brochures.
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Project Blueprint
A picture is worth a thousand words
Do you have an unused digital picture viewer sitting around? Turn it into a simlab announcement board.
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Is it getting loud in here?
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Downloadable (free) sound clips and readily available video maker software can create interesting background distractions.
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Creating a medication dispense unit (on the cheap)
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By combining a standard med cart and a slightly used computer you can create a realistic med dispense unit.
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Portable E.C.G. (Holter) monitor
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Convert a toy cell phone and a set of expired ECG leads into a portable telemetry monitor.
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Program pumps using QR codes
USE QR codes to allow students to program pumps on the fly using only their cell phones.
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Take patient call lights into the 21st century
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Use student cell phones as the nurse call bell.
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Tat too?
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Use commercial tattoo cover sleeves for hiding I.V. access tubing.
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Brand loyalty
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Iron-on inkjet print pages can add your brand to simlab linen.
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Fake food
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Want to add nutrition to your scenarios? Cardboard cutouts work just fine​.
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Transparent x-ray
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Commercially available overhead transparency sheets can be used as x-ray images.
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Patient brochures
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​Use student-created patient brochures for bedside teaching. ​
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Printed med labels
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Readily available clip art can be adapted to medication vials, p.o. meds.
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Joint Commission is here!
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Add a Joint Commission visit to your scenarios. ​
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Patient transport form
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Maintain continuity of care by utilizing a patient transport form
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Setting the mood
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Use the overbed lights, nightlights, and med cart lighting to create 'shift' lighting.
Brochure display
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Simple brochure racks can add a teaching element to your simulations.
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Communication board
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Add a communication element to your scenarios with a communication board.
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Umbilical clamp uses
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Want to reuse your IV solutions? An umbilical clamp helps nicely.
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My I vent here?
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An old karaoke machine and some tubing, and you have a simulated ventilator.
I.V. Arm
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Add am I.V. arm to your live-patient scenarios with this 'handy' hack.
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E.C.M.O.
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Create the grand poohbah of medical equipment with some spare parts and a lot of creativity.
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