New birthing simulator purchased with support from Columbia Basin Trust
The learning experience for College of the Rockies Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Practical Nursing students is getting a technological boost thanks to the addition of a new birthing simulator. The simulator, which will help students practice real life birthing situations, was purchased with support from Columbia Basin Trust.
The birthing manikin, dubbed Noelle, moves through all stages of labour concluding with the birth of a ‘baby’ named Tori and ‘placenta’.
“Noelle is a valuable learning tool for our students,” said Norma Sherret, Acting Dean, Health and Human Services. “Using this high-fidelity simulator, faculty can develop real-life scenarios to promote effective learning experiences for our students related to pregnancy and childbirth. In working with Noelle, students can learn about their role in supporting families through the typical stages of labour and birth and recognize signs of obstetrical emergencies that can occur in the perinatal experience.”
“Since our program is situated within a rural area of the province, our students also practice in more rural and remote settings,” Sherret said. “It is essential they learn about the complexities of nursing practice in these contexts so they can develop their abilities to provide safe, responsive, and supportive care. This technology will help them develop these skills within the context of rural perinatal care.”
Darcy McInnes, Patient Care Coordinator, Maternal Child Unit, East Kootenay Regional Hospital, sees many benefits to nursing students learning with the help of the manikins.
“Having the simulation dolls will help students with critical thinking in real time scenarios, reinforce hands-on skills and promote evaluative learning,” she said. “Noelle and Tori will enhance the students’ ability to apply the classroom theory with skill practice and demonstration, where they will be able to translate this into the clinical setting.”
Learn more about BSN and PN programs at College of the Rockies.
About College of the Rockies
For more than 45 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industry, and businesses of our region. Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 full-time and part-time students into a full range of programs, including: skilled trades, university studies, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education, and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.
Media Contact:
Deb Carty
VP, External Relations
College of the Rockies
dcarty@cotr.bc.ca