The Simulation lab at Durham College is an 11-bed unit with high to moderate fidelity simulators, ranging from adult to infant, and it is utilized by students enrolled in the Personal Support Worker, Practical Nursing, the collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Paramedic programs. The simulators (client) are programmed to speak, promoting communication between the client and the caregiver with a focus on the importance of developing a caring relationship with the client and family. The current technological capability of the simulators supports the programming of heart, lung and bowel sounds, which enhances students’ assessment skills. Psychomotor skills such as vital signs assessment, medication administration, wound care and intravenous initiation and maintenance are a few of the skills that students gain hands-on experience practising and perfecting prior to clinical placement.

Cases are developed for students to participate, including trauma, sudden death, medical and surgical situations and palliative care. They are focused on supporting student success and provide an opportunity for them to experience, participate and reflect on their practice in a lab environment with support from their peers and faculty. The goal of the lab is to provide a safe learning environment that encourages students to be successful in providing safe client-centered care and to communicate effectively as members of an inter-professional team.