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Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

Construction Underway for Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab for Nursing and Allied Health

Throughout fiscal year 2024, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, through its Foundation, secured approximately $1.8 million in public and private funding to create the Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab for Nursing and Allied Health. This exciting new initiative will provide students with hands-on, cutting-edge training that will prepare them for the challenges of the healthcare field.

A 1,200 square foot classroom is set to be transformed into a shared, state-of-the-art multidisciplinary lab. The space will be designed to simulate a wide range of clinical environments, allowing nursing and allied health students to experience real-world medical situations in a controlled, supportive setting. The lab will feature high-, medium-, and low-fidelity manikins that represent adult, pediatric, and infant patients. These lifelike manikins will make it possible for students to practice and learn from a variety of medical scenarios, offering a level of realism that enhances their education.

Beyond the manikins, the lab will be equipped to simulate different healthcare settings. It will include hospital rooms, a simulated ambulance, a pharmacy IV hood, and even a simulated apartment for home care practice. This variety of environments will give students the opportunity to experience and respond to different types of medical and healthcare situations, all while gaining valuable, hands-on experience.

One of the most exciting aspects of the lab is its integration of cutting-edge technology. Virtual and augmented reality tools, along with immersive simulation scenarios, will allow students to engage with realistic clinical situations in ways that were previously unimaginable. These advanced technologies will be critical in enhancing educational offerings and preparing students for the complex and ever-evolving field of healthcare.

In addition to the physical and technological elements, the lab will be equipped with updated audiovisual equipment to record clinical simulations. This will allow students to participate in detailed debriefs and discussions after each simulation, providing them with valuable feedback to refine their skills. The lab will also be stocked with medical supplies, simulated medications, and storage to replicate a true clinical experience.

The Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab will serve as a model for interdisciplinary healthcare education, providing students with opportunities to collaborate and learn across different healthcare fields. This focus on interdisciplinary relationships will enhance the educational experience, preparing students to work effectively as part of a healthcare team.

The full lab is expected to be completed by Fall 2025, and it promises to be a transformative resource for students in Southwest Virginia. With its advanced facilities and focus on practical, hands-on learning, the Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab will play a key role in shaping the future of healthcare education in the region. Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project moves forward and begins to take shape.

Two smiling Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center students sitting inside a bright room with large windows, holding textbooks.

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