UAMS Physical Therapy Students Practice in U of A Nursing Simulation Labs

Rolling the patient toward them is the first step in helping a patient sit up.
Photo by Heidi Wells

Rolling the patient toward them is the first step in helping a patient sit up.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences students in the physical therapy program visited the University of Arkansas campus Feb. 28 to run through practice scenarios in the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing simulation labs.

UAMS assistant professors Jennifer Vincenzo, a U of A graduate, and Christopher Walter brought 21 students studying to become physical therapists from the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus to the U of A nursing school sim labs. They took part in exercises to help prepare them to work with patients in a hospital setting.

The U of A nursing school opened in 2012 with five high-fidelity simulation labs in which mannequins simulate patient conditions and offer scenarios for students to address.

Faculty members program the scenarios and feed information to the mannequins during the simulation. Students receive orders, assess the patient and make appropriate decisions based on patient responses. Students meet together after simulations to view the recorded sessions and discuss areas for improvement.

Walter asked the nursing students who participated to provide feedback from the nursing perspective.

"This is for the benefit of our physical therapy students, but you'll get something out of it, too," he said.

Tabatha Teal, simulation coordinator and U of A instructor, said the U of A and UAMS collaborate in other ways.

"Interprofessional education brings students together in an active learning environment," Teal said. "These activities help students to understand how their role is enhanced through collaboration with health care professionals from other disciplines."

Also, students in the U of A's Doctor of Nursing Practice receive some clinical training at UAMS. Their coursework is delivered online through Global Campus.

Contacts

Heidi S. Wells, director of communications
College of Education and Health Professions
479-575-3138, heidisw@uark.edu

Headlines

Four Students Named Goldwater Scholars; Two Earn Udall Honorable Mentions

Four U of A students have received the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, an award for top students in mathematics, science, and engineering.

Cross-Campus Collaboration Culminates in New Outdoor Geological Installation

Grand opening event to celebrate the new GeoLab installation at the U of A’s Gearhart Hall courtyard is set for May 3. The installation will be open to the public year-round.

First Students to Use Online Degree to Hone Nursing Leadership, Elevate Patient Care

Hanna Baxendale and Wendi Kimbrell will begin coursework in the Doctor of Nursing Practice-Executive Master of Business Administration program offered by the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing and Walton College.

Join the Office for Sustainability on a Final Cruise to Campus

Cruise to Campus Wednesdays have fostered a gathering space for individuals interested in biking to campus. Drop by the Old Main Lawn from 7:30-10 a.m. Wednesday for coffee, something to eat and conversation.

Fay Jones School Student Ambassador Program Gives Voice to Design Students

The student ambassador program at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design is built to connect top design students with their school, its alumni, its future students and others inside and outside the school.

News Daily