Fairmont Medical Center, a campus of WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, delivered a donation of used medical equipment to the Fairmont State University College of Nursing to support the expansion of the Fairmont State Nursing Simulation Laboratory.
“We want to continue to support our community and its growth,” Aaron Yanuzo, Fairmont Medical Center vice president of operations, said. “By donating our used equipment, we are helping to train the next generation of nurses and clinical practitioners, which will be in high demand as we continue to face the challenges presented by the pandemic.”
The donated equipment is past its clinical lifespan, but can still be of use to students who are not in direct patient care.
“As a Fairmont State University nursing graduate myself, I understand the importance of clinical training experience,” Cari Morgan, M.B.A., B.S.N., R.N, N.E.-B.C., Fairmont Medical Center nurse director said. “Not all clinical experiences can happen in a hospital setting, especially during COVID. This equipment will allow these students to gain experience within the classroom setting that will prepare them for clinical practice.”
Donated items include:
- Wooden bassinet for babies
- Bilirubin light for infants
- Gynecology/obstetric delivery bed
- Isolette for babies
- Recliner
- Wheelchair
- Electronic vital signs machines
- Intravenous (IV) pumps
- Linen/utility carts
- Medication carts
- Workstations (computers) on wheels
- Papoose baby boards
- IV poles
The Simulation Center allows students to participate in real-life situations to help increase their skills and support team building and critical thinking. Students are assigned roles and must respond to the simulators, which are life-sized robotic mannequins that simulate body functions. A faculty member acts as the voice of the simulator, while students respond to the simulators as they would to a real patient. Their interactions are videotaped, and are then used by faculty as a basis to work with students on teachable moments.
The Simulation Lab provides students opportunities to take part in medical scenarios they typically would not be exposed to at this point in their education in a hospital setting. Student learning is enhanced through these methods by instilling the importance of communication and building self-confidence.
“We have one of the best nursing programs in West Virginia,” Fairmont State University President Mirta M. Martin, Ph.D., said. “The donation of this equipment aids us greatly in our critical role as educators of the next generation of skilled nursing professionals. Together with generous partners like Fairmont Medical Center, we will continue to not only provide the best hands-on learning experiences for our students, but we will also continue to graduate caring, talented nurses to serve in our communities, especially during these critical times. ”
Laura Clayton, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E., dean for the College of Nursing added, “The donated equipment will enhance the clinical and critical thinking skills of our graduates so that they are prepared to meet the needs of their patients.”
