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Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
"Dummy" Teaches Nursing Students
"We can go in and program him and have his lab values change and vital signs, so students can actually use critical thinking scenarios and come up with nursing protocols," said Gina Sirach, SIC Division Chair of Nursing and Allied Health.
"This mannequin actually will allow us to hear the heart rate from the different areas of the lung and heart," said instructor Susie Lamplen.
Patrick also "breathes", "blinks", and is able to make sounds from his bowels. The students check his vitals, listen to his heart beat, and IVs.
"The students can practice on, when the sleeve gets used, we have another one. Also, trachamoties can be done too with this area here," said Lamplen.
Holes in his face allow instructors to inject fluids so Patrick can salivate, urinate, and produce tears. Sirach says while Patrick may not be real, he's the next best thing.
"In a rural setting, it's very difficult to come up with pediatric experiences for students, so it's very important we provide alternate experiences so they can get the hands on experiences they need prior to going into the work force."
A grant helped pay for Patrick. He costs more than $60,000. The college hopes to eventually add more of the mannequins to their nursing program.
by Kevin Hunsperger
khunsperger@wsiltv.com
Now: 1283451067
