The Piedmont Community College (PCC) Nursing department is starting off the fall semester with new high-fidelity simulation equipment that will enhance the hands-on learning experience for Nursing students.
The new equipment includes advanced mannequins that simulate a wide range of medical conditions and responses. Unlike previous equipment, which was limited in its range of simulations and interactivity, the new mannequins offer enhanced realism through physiological responses such as breathing, seizures, heartbeats, blood pressures, bleeding and even sweating.
Students will be able to practice scenarios such as CPR, pediatric emergency care and complex medical situations. They can work on skills like nursing assessments, intravenous catheter insertion and managing acute medical crises. The mannequins can even simulate a patient experiencing a heart attack, allowing students to practice administering medications, performing CPR and using defibrillators in a realistic setting.
“By using high-fidelity mannequins that replicate real-life medical scenarios, students can practice and refine their clinical skills in a controlled, risk-free setting,” Darrick Woods, PCC Director, Nursing Program said. “This hands-on experience not only builds their technical skills but also enhances their critical thinking, clinical judgement and decision-making abilities under pressure. The ability to simulate a variety of complex cases means students can gain exposure to a broader range of conditions and treatments, better preparing them for their future roles as graduate nurses.”
Funding for the equipment was received from the Golden Leaf Foundation and the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS).
“We are grateful to our funding partners for helping us move our Nursing programs to the next level,” Dr. Barbara Buchanan, PCC Vice President, Instruction/Chief Academic Officer (CAO) said. “This new equipment simulates real-world scenarios better than any equipment we’ve had previously.”
Alexis Vincent, a first-year Nursing student, worked with the simulation equipment when it was first introduced to Nursing students and Nursing Summer Camp participants over the summer.
“The new simulation equipment gives actual feedback and a real-life reaction to what a patient would experience if having a seizure or other real-life events,” Vincent said.
Nursing faculty have provided positive feedback on the new equipment and noted that it significantly enhances their ability to create realistic and diverse scenarios, which will make their teaching more engaging and effective. Nursing faculty have participated in hands-on training sessions conducted by the equipment manufacturer simulation expert. The sessions covered the operation of the mannequins, use of the simulation software and the development of realistic scenarios.
“We are excited about the potential of our new simulation equipment to transform the PCC Nursing programs,” Woods said. “Beyond just improving technical skills, the equipment also supports our commitment to fostering critical thinking, clinical judgment, and teamwork among Nursing students. Our goal is to provide an educational experience that closely mirrors real-world healthcare environments, preparing our graduates to be proficient and confident professionals. We believe this upgrade will not only enhance the quality of PCC Nursing education but also positively impact patient care outcomes as our students transition into their respective Nursing careers.”
Woods hopes to showcase the new simulator equipment to the community during a student-led PCC Nursing Simulation Open House this fall.
PCC’s Nursing programs provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide nursing care to clients in a variety of settings. PCC added a Practical Nursing program in Spring 2024. The ADN program was expanded in Spring 2022 to include instruction on the Caswell County Campus with an evening/weekend cohort. This expansion also enabled multiple entry points as the Caswell County Campus cohort begins yearly in the spring and the Person County Campus cohort begins yearly in the fall. For more information, visit www.piedmontcc.edu/nursing.
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