Have you toured your school's lab?

Protongirl · Jan 8, 2011

i have two types of labs: the mock units like you described and simulation labs.

mock units - i would ask how many anatomical models they have for each skill. often you are going to have 50 or 60 students at a time practicing a skill, so if there are only two models you will probably have some frustrating time either standing around or practicing on items that stretch your imagination (like suctioning a trach on a pvc pipe). but in reality, labs just give you a passing familiarity with equipment, supplies, terms, and procedures. you will not be allowed to practice invasive procedures on classmates and any non-invasive practice will only show you normal since you are all healthy. you will learn the majority in clincals - but labs will allow you to know what the nurse means when she talks about doing a dressing change with duoderm.

simulation labs - my experience is that there is a lot of variation in the simulation labs of various schools. in case you don't know, a simulation lab is a replica of a patient's room with a simulation model that interacts with you on some level. for example, the professor may be able to speak through the model, put various rhythms and vitals on the monitor, and it may have variable heart, respiratory, and bowel sounds. these are used to replicate emergent, stressful clinical situations without an actual patient being at risk. if it is done well and you can suspend disbelief, a good simulation lab can be really helpful!