Current Students

Simulation Center Policies

Undergraduate students

Undergraduate students participate in clinical simulation exercises and practice hands on skills in the Simulation Center. These activities are integrated into your clinical courses and are designed to give you experience practicing nursing skills in a safe environment before performing those skills in the clinical setting.  In the beginning of the program, students will learn and practice physical assessment skills and basic nursing skills such as:

  • transferring patients
  • calculating and delivering medications safely
  • providing nutrition
  • caring for acutely ill patients

Your time in the lab will build on what you are learning in your lecture courses, and every effort is made to assign patients in your clinical site to further reinforce skills and course content.

As you progress in your program, the simulation exercises become more advanced and will include the practice of more advanced skills pertinent to specific populations. You will be practicing advanced nursing care such as:

  • caring for central lines
  • inserting urinary catheters
  • assessment of the laboring woman and newborn infant, and
  • a developmental approach to pediatric patients and their families

In your senior practicum, you will refine the skills you have learned in a series of sessions designed to encourage critical thinking and prepare you for your career as a professional registered nurse.

Graduate students

Graduate students will learn physical examination skills and hands on skills in the Simulation Center. Depending on your track, you will practice advanced skills in the using mannequins, task training devices, and simulated patients to provide you with the opportunity to practice techniques before performing them in the clinical setting.

Time in the lab varies per quarter, and labs are designed to reinforce what you are learning in your lecture courses and to be applied in the clinical setting.

Sim lab policies

The UW School of Nursing works to provide a safe and clinically authentic experiences for everyone using the simulation and learning lab.

Dress code

  • The Simulation Center is to be considered a clinical patient care area.
  • All undergraduate students will come to the lab dressed according to the SoN clinical uniform dress code policy.
  • Graduate students will be expected to wear the uniform that they wear in their professional clinical rotations. This will be professional attire with name tags.
  • Faculty will wear lab coats or scrubs and nametags in the lab.
  • The Simulation Center is a “fragrance free” zone. Please avoid using any fragranced products such as perfumes, hair gels and certain deodorants.

Infection control

Biological Hazards Precautions

  • Under no circumstance are students allowed to practice invasive procedures without the assistance of a faculty member.
  • Hazardous Waste Containers are provided and are to be used for any materials contaminated with body fluids. Any surfaces in the Simulation Center accidentally contaminated with body fluids should be cleaned promptly with sani-wipes. This is the responsibility of faculty/students at the time of contamination.
  • Needles and sharps are to be disposed of in red sharps containers.
  • The Simulation Center is a “no latex” and fragrance-free lab.

Hand Hygiene

  • Appropriate hand hygiene is required in the Simulation Center to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms.
  • Antiseptic soap and instant hand sanitizer are provided throughout the Simulation Center.
  • Hand hygiene includes:
    • Proper use of gloves to avoid contact with microorganisms contained in body fluids or body substances.
    • Proper hand washing with antimicrobial soap or hand sanitizer.
    • Keeping your hands in good shape by maintaining intact skin.
    • Do not work with draining lesions or open lesions on hands.
    • Routine hand hygiene is expected:
      • Before and after performing nursing skills
      • Before putting on and after removing gloves
      • After using restroom facilities
      • Before eating

Make-up sessions, independent study

Make-up sessions for students

  • Students are expected to adhere to the SoN Attendance Policy for Clinical and Lab Courses.
  • Make-up sessions for students who have missed clinical activities or lab sessions should be arrange with the course coordinator.
  • After coordinator approval, students may email the Simulation Center to schedule via simctr@uw.edu.

Safety and security

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Safety Precautions

  • There is safety in numbers. Use the “buddy system” when traveling to and from the Center, going to the restroom, or to outside exits.
  • Telephones are available in the Simulation Center and in the central corridor. For security problems call 9-911.
  • The UWCares, 685-WALK, will escort you to a night ride stop or campus living facility. This service is available Autumn/Winter, 5:30 PM until 12:30 AM, Sunday through Thursday, and Spring, 8:30 PM until 12:30 AM, Sunday through Thursday.