CONSTRUCTION is underway on the new state-of-the-art nurse training ward in which students will be able to liaise on simulations that are more realistic and in real time with counterparts in the United States.
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Haemorrhage scenarios, heart attacks and deteriorating mental health in patients will be among the serious scenarios presented to nursing students with up-to-date technology and equipment at Australian Catholic University's Ballarat campus in the $1.9 million centre.
ACU Ballarat nursing, midwifery and paramedicine deputy head Rett Quinney said the modernised facility will take training to a whole new level, including the chance to better engage students online.
Dr Quinney said the chance to step-up training facilities would undoubtedly improve performance and longevity in the profession.
Up-to-date equipment means students are better prepared for clinical practice and it dulls the culture shock when on placements.
- Dr Rett Quinney
"Up-to-date equipment means students are better prepared for clinical practice and it dulls the culture shock when on placements," Dr Quinney said.
"..From first year students go on clinical placement and do get weeks on end. One of the factors to succeed is to be prepared in expectations on wide and varied scenarios, depending on where you go. Even if a student is on placement in a smaller town like Nhill they can go and and have it be quiet, but they can also go on a day where there is a major event, like a truck crash, and they are part of the workforce.
"We do need to make sure students learn how to debrief, talk about it and learn and have safe places to do that. Everyone learns different ways, but one key way is to learn through mistakes and [the training ward] is a safe place to learn and explore intricacies and there is no harm done."
The expanded and refurbished training rooms will both double student capacity and allow space for extra teaching staff. Dr Quinney said this would allow more chance to coach teaching mentors and to bring in experience from hospitals, such as Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital.
Upgrades will allow for real-time learning experiences with nursing schools in Chicago, Boston and Dr Quinney also hoped to expand this with other partner schools in northern America. Dr Quinney said this would allow students to compare expectations and innovations.
IN OTHER NEWS
Victorian Higher Education Minister Gayle Tierney toured the Ballarat campus construction this week and announced an $8.7 million package for five projects in ACU, including the new nursing labs.
Funding will also provide culturally safe learning spaces for Aboriginal, cultural and linguistically diverse students and students with accessibility needs in Ballarat. The package features more support for flexible learning for Ballarat students, including virtual reality equipment.
Construction on the Ballarat campus' nursing wards is expected to be complete next year.