When University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu student Kanani Hosaka prepares for her first medical procedure on her patient Mahina, she can do so with complete confidence in her abilities – and the knowledge that there is minimal risk.
“Mahina” is a realistic, full body adult birthing model with advanced clinical functionality that teaches critical skills. “She” is just one of the exciting features of the new ʻIke Mauli Ola Nursing Simulation Laboratory at the UH West Oʻahu.
“I think it will make (us) better nurses and better students when we’re in clinicals, and it will help to get rid of the jitters of dealing with real people,” said Hosaka, who was recently accepted to the Fall 2017 cohort of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. “It’s exciting. It will allow us to make mistakes and not on real people. Everything we’ve learned so far has been in textbooks. Now we have something that have fevers, and give birth, it’s a great idea.”
UH West Oʻahu’s Pre-Nursing/Health Science pathway allows students to complete prerequisites and transition into UH Hilo’s BSN without the need to physically be on the Hilo campus. With the April 13, 2017 opening of the Nursing Simulation Lab, ‘Ike Mauli Ola students now have the working environment needed to complete the BSN program. It provides the equipment and environment for patient care simulations and distance learning opportunities. The simulation lab features four hospital beds, with an adult birthing model, and three life size mannequins used for simulation experiences.
The opportunity to take UH Hilo courses on the Kapolei campus through the ʻIke Mauli Ola Pre-Nursing/Health Science pathway “gives people like me the chance to realize our dreams,” said Hosaka, 30, who works full-time as a scheduler for operating room at Wahiawa General Hospital.
The simulation lab enables nursing students to rehearse both common clinical scenarios and critical incidents for improved real patient outcomes. Such simulation scenarios further enhance and contextualize learning objectives in preparation for real patient encounters. The lab provides the equipment and environment for patient care simulations and distance learning opportunities.
“Simulation has gathered increasing acceptance over the years as an integral part of healthcare training and a fundamental approach to improving patient safety practice,” PIKO Project Director Melissa Saul said. “Having the proper equipment and working environment gives students the tools to succeed and receive the full educational experience including hands-on practice.”
The Title III PIKO Project is a Title III ANNH Federal Grant dedicated to building capacity for UH West Oʻahu with a focus on promoting the health and wellness of students. The PIKO Project currently funds and operates the ‘Ike Mauli Ola Pre-Nursing Pathway Program which partners with UH Hilo for a BSN Program.