2024 SWVHEC Annual Report

A Look Forward Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab for Nursing and Allied Health Throughout fiscal year 2024, the Center, through its Foundation, has secured approximately $1.8 million in public and private funding to create the Southwest Virginia Regional Simulation Lab for Nursing and Allied Health. A 1,200 square foot classroom will be transformed to create a shared, state-of-the art multidisciplinary lab. The lab will offer high-, medium- and low-fidelity adult, pediatric and infant manikins. In addition to the manikins, the space will also be configured to simulate medical and home care facilities, including hospital rooms, simulated ambulance, simulated apartment, pharmacy IV hood and cabinets. New technology in virtual reality/augmented reality and immersion simulators and scenarios will also enhance the educational offerings. The space will include A/V equipment updates to record clinical simulations, debrief space and control rooms. The Lab will be stocked with medical supplies, simulated medications and storage to mimic real clinical experiences.

By providing robust simulation and clinical experiences, students will be able to experience a wider variety of simulated and problematic medical scenarios. The regional lab will be unique by serving as a model for interdisciplinary healthcare education and training opportunities, fostering interdisciplinary relationships and activities, and ultimately serving as a catalyst to advance healthcare education in the region.

The project will serve to facilitate allied health and nursing career pathways, as well as keep qualified, highly trained healthcare workers in the region with good paying, in demand jobs.

A portion of the simulation lab will be opening in November 2024 with the full lab complete by Spring 2025.

2023-24 Annual Report

24