Catheter dummy in school

Even if the catheter dummy did not have a huge hole in the arm, it would not give you any idea of how it is to really start an IV (I assume you mean IV?) The only value they have is to get you used to handling the materials and to practice the sequence of starting an IV. (Thats my opinion) I have now seen some schools have a computer simulated arm which tells you if you are in or out, but really unless you start a bunch of IV's in school (and I mean a Bunch- like 3 each clinical day for 1 year) you 'll have to wait to be very proficient for graduation.

I do understand your frustration with poorly maintained equipment though.

(I assume you mean IV?) quote]

I believe the OP is referring to the dummy for foley catheters

I'm not one to try to change the course of history after only 8 months out of school but many of the techniques in school differ from the hospital. I can now understand most of those differences, given the pace and volume of pts. all looking to be treated immediately. But there's one thing that I think can be corrected at school. I think the male dummy needs a reality remodeling. I mean, that hole is so big, I can probably get a 32fr chest tube into it. And the anatomy overall would be the wish of most women and all men and umm.....err...maybe it's time to stop typing before I get booted by the powers that be.

you mean you had MALE dummies for practicing catheterization??? Wow. We only had females (some had male faces haha) and the lady partsl area was nothing more detailed than if you cut a half inch round hole in an oversized Barbie doll! Shesh. I know what you mean here, believe me.

You'll find that no matter what you have to practice, nothing compares to the "real thing". Wait until you have an "innie" that has to be...um...located before you can insert the catheter. Those are always fun!

Super

We have the dummies at my school too. And yes, the hole is way too big to give any kind of realistic idea of whats its going to be like. I got my first female pt in ER that needed a foley and my preceptor said 'ok, you get to do this one.' and i'm like yea this'll be easy

:rotfl:

I do my sterile thing and have what I think is supposed to be spread spread and I was like 'Where is it???' and the nurse says..."honey, sometimes you gotta go deep...lets dig!"

Needless to say, my unrealistic idea of a rosebud was shot all to H-E-double hockey sticks!

oops but I stand by my reply. No dummy can teach the skill, it can only get you used to the steps involved...the sequence etc.

oops but I stand by my reply. No dummy can teach the skill, it can only get you used to the steps involved...the sequence etc.

Agreed!