Iowa Lakes dedicates high-tech nursing simulation lab at Emmetsburg campus
The new nursing simulation lab at the Emmetsburg campus of Iowa Lakes Community College was officially revealed to the public Friday as the college hosted the Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce’s weekly coffee event.
The new area provides space for today’s latest technology to be incorporated into daily learning experiences for students studying in the health professions.
It includes two high-fidelity mannequins, with a third high-fidelity unit to arrive shortly.
Space is also provided so multiple students can be working and learning at the same time. The equipment takes students through scenarios which replicate real life with patients.
Instructors can observe from a separate room without standing over the student.
“It’s a safe environment for students to fine tune their critical thinking skills prior to graduating and going out into their career as a nurse,” said Associate Professor Traci Hansen, who also serves as the coordinator of the nursing simulation lab.
Director of Nursing Education Kendra Lindloff expressed great appreciation to community partners.
“Simulation is an excellent complement to the experiences that our community partners give our students,” Lindloff said. “Also, this project wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and advocacy of our nursing faculty.”
Funding for this upgrade is through a portion of the $1.68 million Title III Grant which was awarded to Iowa Lakes in September of 2016.
The first step for upgrade included interactive classrooms. The nursing simulation lab features three hospital rooms and a nursing station. The lab also includes a camera system.
Students in the Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing Diploma programs at Iowa Lakes will benefit the most from the new lab.
The next college program to benefit from the Title III grant will be the agriculture career program, which will receive a new planter with GPS equipment. In addition, the program will get a new tractor cab simulator and on-site soil analysis equipment.
Executive Dean of the Emmetsburg Campus Tom Brotherton, student Ryan Baesler, Nursing Director Kendra Lindloff, President Valerie Newhouse, and Dr. Jen Peterson, educational technologist, gather Friday to ceremonially cut a cake in honor of the official opening of the high-tech nursing simulation lab at Iowa Lakes Community College.
For More Information:
Tom Brotherton at 712-852-5244
