Title

Real life drama played out in nursing laboratory

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Summer 20-2-2008

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Broome Campus

Publication Place

Broome

Abstract

The Bishop of Broome, the Most Reverend Christopher Saunders, visited The University of Notre Dame Australia Broome Campus nursing laboratory on 20 February to bless it and two of its unique additions.

Two computerised manikins purchased with the aid of generous donations from the wedding of local business owners, Martin and Kim Peirson-Jones and the Matsos’ Classic Car Run, were blessed during the ceremony. The manikins are a sophisticated addition to the nursing laboratory which continues to expand with more than $36,000 worth of equipment added to the campus nursing laboratory already this year.

The manikins are operated by remote control and can be programmed by lecturers to cough, vomit and wheeze. They have a pulse, blood pressure and can be linked to cardiac monitors and intravenous giving sets. In a worst case scenario they can even die and be brought back to life using a defibrillator. Assistant Dean of Nursing, Broome, Sally Clark thanked all involved with the donations and said the nursing laboratory was now so well equipped it was set up like a genuine ward with simulated patients, manual handling equipment, commode chairs and defibrillators.

“The Simulators bring role play to life,” she said. “Students can now clinically assess and manage a manikin as they would in a hospital ward situation.” Enrolled Nursing student, Cindy Murray, said the manikins enabled students to experience real life situations when treating patients. “They are excellent. You get to practise as if they were real people. It gives you a great insight into what can happen.”

A record number of students graduated from the Bachelor of Nursing course last July and with ten students already accepted into the new Enrolled Nursing course the School of Nursing looks set for a very productive year.

Media contact:

Mike Doyle 08 9192 0668

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