The Armstrong McDonald Nursing Learning Lab (NLL) houses C of O’s state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab. Specialized software is designed to simulate clinical settings, providing undergraduate students the opportunity to learn and enhance their skills. This is accomplished through the use of clinical case scenarios, faculty guidance, and resources that facilitate clinical critical thinking, decision-making, and student-centered learning. As a result, the NLL is a significant means to ultimately improve patient care.

The NLL is equipped with patient simulators and bedside computers; digitalized video; computer assisted instructional software; and other interactive software. The lab provides students an opportunity to face patient scenarios in safe realistic practice settings such as critical care, public health, pediatrics, maternity, management of groups, home care, and health assessment. A collection of complete care manikins is utilized in the NLL. Critical care inpatient beds provide “hands on” learning opportunities through the use of scenario simulations which are all essential components for safe practice.

Students participate in clinical scenarios which require assessments and responses to Sim-Man’s® physiological changes and verbal responses. Sim-Man® and Sim-Man3G® are sophisticated computerized clinical simulation mannequins which breathe, have a pulse, blood pressure and heart rhythms, and can be programmed to simulate a range of illnesses and medication reactions. The lab presents an opportunity to complete appropriate holistic assessment and interventions within a setting which is safe and fosters clinical decision making confidence.

Virtual IV™ is a comprehensive, fully interactive, simulated intravenous system which enables students to practice intravenous procedures for all age groups with instant feedback related to technique. Powerful 3D graphics provide visual realism, while a state-of-the-art force feedback device accurately simulates the sense of touch for a truly immersive experience. Virtual patients respond with bleeding, bruising, swelling, as well as other physiological reactions.

Noelle™, a child bearing manikin, promotes instruction in maternal-child nursing. Sim-Baby® provides programmed instruction and simulation in infant care.

The Armstrong McDonald Nursing Learning Lab is equipped with multimedia which includes networked computers, video cameras, TVs with VCR and CD/DVD capabilities, and projection screens. Interactive computer assisted instructional programs offer means for students to reinforce and enhance their education. A wide selection of DVD/Videos, references, and textbooks are also available.

Students practice realistic charting skills (e-documentation) with Cerner's AES (Academic Education Solution).

Skill practice and implementation are the result of knowledge and the application of critical thinking that coincides with current standards of professional nursing practice. This state-of-the-art learning facility with advanced, educational technology provides learners with an attractive tool in which they can master nursing concepts and skills.

The need for educating confident, skilled nursing professionals will continue to grow – and College of the Ozarks is here to help fulfill that need for this region and beyond.