Barry University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS) will soon launch a Ventilator Management Simulation Training Program thanks in part to a generous gift from the Florida Blue Foundation.
The program will give undergraduate students in the college, as well as those studying to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and physician assistants, a hands-on opportunity with this critical equipment. Using a refurbished ventilator attached to Barry’s mid to high fidelity manikins, students will work through simulated clinical scenarios pertaining to ventilatory management of patients with severe respiratory issues. Even those in the Podiatric School of Medicine may be involved in interdisciplinary simulations using the ventilator.
The Ventilator Management Simulation Training Program will offer particularly necessary skills for treating many patients with the respiratory virus, COVID-19, and will extend authentic training for CNHS students beyond those whose specialties require prior knowledge of these practices.
When the novel coronavirus first spread throughout our communities and healthcare systems, Barry was able to supply students who are also working professionals at hospitals with personal protective equipment, including N95 masks and additional gowns, when they otherwise had limited access.
“CNHS faculty recognized that to continue to prepare current students to serve in the frontlines of this pandemic, they had to additionally provide them with advanced education in caring for COVID-19 infected patients -- including using essential training in ventilatory management”, said Dr. Tony Umadhay, CNHS Associate Dean.
Given the unique needs of patients during this pandemic, CNHS leaders have made this investment a priority. According to Shani Marks, AGACNP-BC, Director of Simulation Learning, “Previously, CNHS students whose areas of study don’t require prior knowledge of these practices received theoretical knowledge of respiratory physiology and ventilatory management in class and through limited student clinical rotations in acute care settings. This new program will allow faculty to integrate the use of the mechanical ventilator into their instruction”.
Approximately 400 CNHS Nursing and Physician Assistant students will participate in this program annually. Training sessions will be integrated in each program’s curriculum throughout the academic year. The program will launch in 2021.