Recently, West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) has started assisting others around West Virginia in continuing education training for nurses so others can access the same high-quality education as our Nursing programs provide. WVJC’s Director of Simulation Education in Nursing, Brian Harris, heads this training. Brian also oversees WVJC’s Mobile Nursing Lab fleet, where students in certain online Nursing programs complete their labs.
A Day of Training
Brian had his first outing on Friday, March 21st. He traveled from Morgantown, WV, to Preston High School in Kingwood, WV, to complete simulations with school nurses using WVJC’s equipment. Although not all of the learners knew about WVJC, they were very excited to participate in this experience. The instruction took place in the school’s nursing room, where Brian brought in Aria, our high-fidelity pediatric manikin. Aria takes the form of a young girl, which was the perfect simulation manikin for school nurses to use in training.
Six people participated in these simulations, ranging in age from early thirties to late sixties. Depending on which simulation scenario they worked through, they would either be working individually or as a team of two. They worked through several scenarios, including but not limited to the following:
- Maintaining a Sterile Field
- Straight Urinary Catheter Insertion
- Mitrofanoff Catheters
- PEG Tube Feeding
- Kangaroo Pump Feeding
- Tracheostomy Care
- Changing the Inner Cannula of Tracheostomies,
- Providing Oxygen to Tracheostomy Patients
- Tracheostomy Suctioning and Emergency Suctioning
- Creating a Makeshift Sling for Broken Bones
- Maintaining C-Spine in Trauma Cases
- Seizure Precautions and Protocols
Brian says he was surprised that the learners were most excited to go over basic first aid procedures, temporary splints, and slings for broken bones. These school nurses do not have a lot of policies surrounding basic first aid and temporary slings. This made this training very relevant for them. The learners’ favorite part of the training was making temporary skins from a bed sheet.
When asked if there is a simulation he enjoys doing the most, Brian says, “I love walking through all simulations, so I cannot pick just one.” Each simulation has different parts that he enjoys walking people through. Brian says he just loves to show off our manikins, especially Aria. The high-fidelity manikins are all very impressive learning tools that can be used to train students and those continuing education alike.
WVJC has three Mobile Nursing Labs in its fleet and recently added a new simulation van. The first mobile lab, Charlene, allows students in and around Bridgeport, WV, to have access to a space where they can complete their lab and clinical. The second mobile lab is named Florence. It serves Charleston, WV, and its surrounding areas. The third and final mobile lab is named Mary Virginia. It serves the WVJC School of Nursing Mon Health Nursing program students. The Simulation Van will be used primarily for these continuing education days.
Ready to Start Your Career?
Are you looking to continue your education and start your career? West Virginia Junior College is here to help bring your dream a reality. We offer several online/hybrid training programs, including nursing, practical nursing, medical assisting, medical coding, medical office administration, healthcare administration, dental assisting, pharmacy technician, cybersecurity, and business administration. WVJC will prepare you to take the appropriate industry-specific licensure* or certification** exam.
Whether you want a nursing, allied health, or professional services career, we’ve got you covered. Speak with one of our admissions team members today by requesting information. Your future starts now!
*Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is required to become a Registered Nurse.
**Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to West Virginia Junior College.