Halifax County Public School nurses recently took part in simulation training at the Center of Nursing Excellence at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center. The customized training focused on pediatric respiratory trouble and school nurse solutions. Using the CNE's high-fidelity manikins, and simulation scenarios delivered by CNE staff, the HCPS nurses were able to practice providing care to individuals experiencing trouble breathing. In one of the scenarios the "patient" coded, and nurses were able to practice delivering CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). In addition to addressing the pediatric respiratory trouble, nurses also had to handle interruptions that are common in a school setting.

Sylvia Briggs-Judkins, Halifax County Public Schools Nurse Manager/Coordinator, worked with CNE staff to develop the training. "Asthma is an ongoing chronic illness in schools today and the numbers are increasing. I was aware that the simulation lab at the CNE could provide a workshop to update some of the nursing skills that we need for children with respiratory illnesses.With the knowledge of the CNE staff, high tech equipment and manikins, this workshop superseded the nurses' expectations. The Center of Nursing Excellence simulation lab is amazing. This workshop will enable the school nurses to provide the optimum level of care to a student in a respiratory crisis,"Briggs-Judkins stated.
 

The staff of the Center of Nursing Excellence (CNE) at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center recently hosted a visit with Dr. Mary Condon, Averett University’s new chair of nursing education. Dr. Condon toured the CNE and advanced simulation lab, and met with CNE staff members to discuss possibilities for future SVHEC-Averett collaborations. Averett University is expanding its health sciences initiative and recently received a grant from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission to move that effort forward.
 

The SVHEC Center of Nursing Excellence loaned one of its manikins, Susie, to the South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History for the upcoming "A Glimpse into Nursing" exhibit. The manikin and other healthcare-related equipment will be on display beginning September 17th. For more information, contact the Museum at 434-572-9200.

Pictured l-r: Ann Switzer, Associate Director, Center of Nursing Excellence; Gary Crutchfield, Volunteer, South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History; Beth Coates, Director, South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History; Cindy Cole, Simulation Lab Specialist, Center of Nursing Excellence; Chantel Coles, Administrative Assistant, Center of Nursing Excellence.