In the ongoing effort to provide high-quality healthcare education, the Department of Nursing at Galveston College has acquired two bedside simulation smart carts and a medication dispensing system to expand training capabilities for students.

 

Funded by a $194,083 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Nursing Innovation Grant Program (NIGP), the new equipment will enable Galveston College to better educate students for their future careers in nursing.

 

In addition to the new equipment, a portion of the NIGP funds will provide professional development to Department of Nursing faculty in order to enhance simulation and skills lab capacity.

 

The Galveston College Department of Nursing’s simulation lab is designed to replicate the clinical setting for student learning with a simulated hospital room and mannequins as patients.

 

“The smart cart, which is similar to devices used in hospitals, will be used to educate students on electronic medical records,” said Joan Moss, coordinator of Galveston College’s lab.

 

With the carts and an accompanying medication dispensing system, students can document and identify patients and their medications. Students can also view patient information, including lab work and hospitalization history.

 

“Each student has their own logon and everything is at their fingertips,” Moss said. “We want to be on the cutting edge. Having the resources and equipment to better prepare them for what they will see in the real world definitely attracts students to the program.”

 

Moss said simulation is an exciting way for students to learn.

 

“The simulation lab provides students with the opportunity to learn and practice in a realistic environment,” Moss said. “Each scenario is chosen or developed by the faculty to enhance the learning in the classroom. It’s very complementary to the education the students receive in the clinical settings with our healthcare partners.”

 

For more information on the Nursing program at Galveston College, visit https://gc.edu/programs-and-courses/workforce-programs/nursing/ or call (409) 944-1396.

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