SF State News {University Communications}

Image: Photos of SF State students and scenes from around campus

Health care reform means new demands on nursing school

November 17, 2009 -- As the U.S. Congress moves toward reform of the health care system and more people gain access to health insurance coverage, the need for highly trained medical professionals is expected to increase. In California, the demand for nurses with baccalaureate and higher degrees continues to grow and is expected to escalate with healthcare reform and changing population demographics.

A photo of nursing students with computer controlled infant simulator.

Nursing students and an instructor in one of the new Technology Learning

Classrooms.

A $329,670 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration, authorized by the U.S. Congress, will enable the SF State School of Nursing to update its Technology Learning Classrooms, which provide students with practical training and exercises in critical thinking.

Congresswoman Jackie Speier was instrumental in obtaining the authorization.

The School of Nursing’s Technology Learning Classrooms are where students can practice their skills in a simulated clinical setting. Rooms of hospital beds and up-to-date medical equipment are also home to patient simulators, computerized mannequins that can be programmed to present a variety of health problems. Emergency care events such as cardiac arrest can be programmed in the mannequins to give nursing students experience that might not occur during their required clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics.  Undergraduate and graduate nursing students also have the opportunity to hone their skills on the latest in health monitoring technology.   
In addition to the simulation technology are cameras, recording devices and playback equipment that allow students to review and analyze their reactions and decisions during exercises with the simulators.
"Technological advances in health care and education have revolutionized nursing education," said Shirley Girouard, director of the School of Nursing.  "This federal support will allow the School to be part of the revolution and prepare nurses with the competencies now demanded in the workplace."

-- Denize Springer

 

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