SimMan Helps Future Nurses Train For Medical Duties

SALISBURY, MD---For years pilots have been training to fly aircraft without ever setting foot into an actual plane thanks to simulators. Now students in Salisbury University’s Nursing Department have the same advantage in training to save lives thanks to Laerdal SimMan. A 5-foot, 5-inch, 75-pound mannequin, SimMan is a simulated patient that talks, breathes and even maintains a pulse. Students use the realistic simulator—powered by a laptop computer—to practice CPR and physical assessment, learn defibrillator use and even practice techniques for life-saving if a patient appears to die. More than 1,100 SimMan simulators have been installed nationwide at military institutions and nursing schools in the past three years. Originally used to help train anesthesiologists, electronic mannequins like SimMan have made their way into the area of advanced cardiac life support. “It is visionary for SU to use simulation technology to teach patient care to nursing students,” said Dr. Susan Battistoni, chair of the Nursing Department. “We are pleased to provide the latest technology in nursing education for our students.” Skills laboratory coordinator Margaret Mitchell agreed: “Laerdal SimMan offers our nursing department the ability to provide simulation education to challenge and test our students' clinical decision making skills during realistic patient care scenarios.” SU’s Nursing Programs recently received the highest possible rating during a recent accreditation visit from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, securing accreditation for the maximum period of five-years. Battistoni said she hoped the use of SimMan and other advanced technologies would help Salisbury continue the level of excellence that contributed to the accreditation. According to Dr. Battistoni, there are 89 students in the junior class and 76 in the senior class. This ensures SU will remain a strong and reliable educator of nurses for both the local and national markets. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.