The hands-on approach allows students a chance to practise clinical judgement and skills in a safe learning environment.

Fed Uni health faculty executive dean Penny Paliadelis said the labs helped build confidence before students were thrust into rounds on hectic wards.

“We want to make sure our students are ready,” Professor Paliadelis said.

“We’re mindful healthcare is busy and chaotic and there isn’t a lot of time for students to practice.”

Teachers can stand behind one-way mirrors in labs, monitoring students and manipulating patient reaction to challenge students. Detail in patients includes the rate and sound of breath.

Ceiling cameras can film student reaction for practical vision in feedback and analysis. Lecturers can speak to students from behind the glass, offering immediate feedback and guidance.

Third-year student Nicole Ford said the new labs were an incredible, detailed learning environment.

“It’s fantastic to learn in something like this, which is pretty much life-like,” Ms Ford said.  "Once you go to a patient and things go wrong, you’re not risking someone’s life. Everything is at hand to get help.”

In the past, nursing student still worked through hospital scenarios but without the level of detail and technology.

Fed Uni officially opened its new clinical simulation precinct on its Mount Helen campus late last week. The precinct features three purpose-built labs.

The entire simulation precinct has been designed to specifically complement Fed Uni’s new Bachelor of Nursing program.Modern debriefing and support facilities include a tutorial room and break-out space.

All three years of nursing students will spend time in the laboratories.

Labs open just in time for semester two studies, with classes Starting on Monday.

The precinct project took 18 months for completion, led by Fed Uni’s school of nursing, midwifery and healthcare.