In an emergency simulation, Joe Johnson is a patient who suffered extreme injuries and NDSU School of Nursing at Sanford Health students will get hands-on experience on how a health care team must work together seamlessly in an emergency.

Each semester, more than 120 groups of NDSU Nursing at Sanford Health students in Bismarck learn how to quickly react by using high-tech simulation mannequins that experience cardiac arrest. On Tuesday, September 18, at 11:45 a.m., they’ll have an opportunity to refine their hands-on skills.

The interdisciplinary, high-tech education prepares students for future careers. NDSU Nursing at Sanford Health students also will go through other types of health care emergency simulations with third-year UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences students to further expand their health care team skills.

The training is occurring during Healthcare Simulation Week, celebrated from September 17 to 21 around the world.

The patient of NDSU Nursing at Sanford Health students during the training, Joe Johnson, is a high-tech computer-controlled mannequin that talks, breathes, and exhibits signs of distress.

“These simulation experiences help students receive hands-on training to gain experience in treating a variety of medical conditions as they pursue their nursing careers,” said Brittney Mueller, simulation coordinator at the NDSU School of Nursing at Sanford Health in Bismarck.

Cardiac arrest isn’t the only hands-on experience students receive through simulation training. More than 30 topics are covered throughout their nursing education. From congestive heart failure to home health, asthma, diabetes, trauma, labor and delivery and much more, students use hands-on simulated training to prepare them to care for patients.

“Simulation training, classroom and clinical experiences are all important components to educate future nurses,” said Wendy Kopp, director of NDSU School of Nursing at Sanford Health, Bismarck.

“Our unique program which also gives nursing students the opportunity to train beside UND medical students in these simulations, provides them the chance to experience interdisciplinary education. This helps prepare them for team-based care when they graduate,” said Kopp.

With sites in Bismarck and Fargo, the NDSU School of Nursing offers accredited programs to part- and full-time students, working professionals and students seeking online educational opportunities. As part of the NDSU College of Health Professions, the School of Nursing also is a ROTC Center of Nursing Excellence.

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