On their journey to becoming registered nurses, students in the Faculty of Nursing learn and gain skills and knowledge in many different ways.

Including through high-fidelity simulation.

High-fidelity simulation puts students into realistic and interactive patient scenarios using computerized, life-size mannequins and the latest in learning technologies and strategies.

While simulation has been part of the nursing curriculum for more than a decade, opening of the Cahill Nursing Simulation Room in 2016 to mark our 50^th anniversary, has provided an increasing number of opportunities for students to take part in simulation activities.

It’s an effective way for students to practice skills, and build knowledge and confidence before entering the clinical area, or to complement their clinical and learning experiences.

For example, in the Cahill Nursing Simulation Room, Victoria MUNFON is about to have her baby. Instructors in a control booth regulate her respirations, blood pressure, heart-rate of the fetus, and labour process. Students work in teams to care for her before, during and after the birth of her baby. Around them is equipment and assessment tools they’d find in a hospital or clinic.  

They are on camera, and watching back in the classroom are their classmates, observing, preparing for their turn and considering how the scenario relates to their past, current and future experiences and practice.

The simulation room also has an infant and child mannequins, so the possibilities for a variety of learning scenarios are numerous.