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School of Nursing
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Simulated Learning Center for Health Sciences (SLCHS)

students interacting with patient simulator

Information About SLCHS

Information for Students

The new state-of-the-art Simulated Learning Center for Health Sciences (SLCHS) supports critical thinking skills, sparking student application of nursing knowledge and skill development in an interactive health care environment.  Numerous computers and other electronic enhancements optimize faculty assessment and mentoring of students as they learn complex nursing care in a safe, friendly, and realistic environment.

The SLCHS has seven mannequins that are used to simulate life experiences for students. There is one high fidelity mannequin, one high fidelity baby, three low fidelity adults, one low fidelity child and one birthing manequin. These computerized patients display physiological changes that simulate the human patient response to a variety of nursing interventions.  The high fidelity mannequin has capabilities that include:  pupils that dilate, pulses that can be palpated, a chest that rises and falls, lung sounds and bowel sounds that can be auscultated, and intravenous access for practicing medication administration.  The other simulated patients have lung, heart, and bowel sounds, and arms that allow intravenous access and blood pressure measurement. Our manequins can also demonstrate patient situations such as mastectomy care, fundus palpation, Penrose/Jackson-Pratt drains and traumatic injuries such as burns, and lacerations.  Nursing students can perform basic procedures such as foley catheter insertion as well as complex procedures including intubation.  Practice on these simulated patients allows students to learn the skills and to experience the “human” reactions to nursing interventions in a structured learning environment. The simulated patients also have “voices” which are created by faculty overseeing the simulated patient experience.  These capabilities allow our students to learn and practice in a laboratory environment that is as close to real life as possible.

Students practicing taking blood pressures


Faculty members develop patient scenarios that resemble authentic experiences in the clinical setting and students are able to be observed by faculty through a two-way mirror. The “patient’s” condition can improve or worsen following the students’ interventions. The scenarios can also be videotaped for later viewing by the student and faculty member to reinforce learning. The SLCHS also has a maternal and neonatal simulation system in which students can assess and intervene during the birthing process.

Simulated learning is quickly becoming the standard in nursing programs and SIUE School of Nursing is leading the way.

SIUE now offers CPR classes at a reduced rate for our students. For information call 650-3978

Contact Information

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Lab Assistant

  • Melisa Berendson, BSN, SNE
    Certified AHA/ECSI CPR Instructor
    SIUE School of Nursing
    Alumni Hall, RM 2203
    Edwardsville, IL  62026
    618-650-3978

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Lab Hours

  • Monday through Friday - 0800-1630

Open Lab for Student (For Practice and tutor & Tutoring

  • Tueday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Weekly Lab Schedule

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Lab Rules

  • No food, drink allowed
  • Cell phones must be on vibrate or silent mode.
  • Computers:
  • Four (4) PC’s available for all student use. Must be respectful of any classes going on.
  • Limit PC usage to as needed only, allowing other students computer time.
  • Lab Printer not available for student use (Printer and 2 PC's are available for student use in the School of Nursing Student Lounge, Alumni Hall Room 2300).
  • Headphones available for student use.
  • TV/VCR's are available for student use with WiFi available.

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CPR Certifications

There are no scheduled classes at this time.

  • When scheduled, American Heart Association CPR classes for healthcare providers are offered at a reduced rate for current SIUE students. The classes are American Heart Association sponsored, are good for 2 years, and fulfill SIUE's requirements (Basic Life Support w/AED for Healthcare Providers) for the nursing program.

CPR Class Offerings...

  • Should a certification class offering be scheduled, email notices will be sent to the University community with dates and times.  Classes must be prepaid (non-refundable) due to the high volume of requests. Priority will be given to nursing students. Students from other departments will be permitted to sign up for spots when available.
  • Class offerings are held in the School of Nursing Simulated Learning Center for Health Sciences Lab, 2nd floor, Alumni Hall, Room 2201, and will last approximately 3 hours. The fee for students is $35, faculty & staff, $45 (non-refundable). Checks should be made payable to SIUE SON, and returned in person or sent to the attention of Sandy Compton, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, School of Nursing, Box 1066, Edwardsville, IL, 62026-1066.
  • Please complete the CPR Registration Form, and e-mail Melisa Berendson, BSN, SNE, Certified AHA/ECSI CPR Instructor with your requests (dates).  Once we have received your form and payment, you will be emailed a confirmation. Size is limited to 20 students per class.

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Media & Lab Information

  • Three (3) examination rooms
  • Three (3) simulated hospital patient rooms
  • Obstetric suite
  • Simulator Rm #1 – Laerdal Simulator Adult
  • Simulator Rm #2 – Laerdal Simulator Pediatric
  • PYXIS/Medication Administration Room
  • Media:

For a listing of all available videos/CD’s see the Lab Coordinator or Lab Faculty.

Supplies

Various supplies are available for use within the lab.

  • Models/Manikins:
  • Various anatomical models/displays are available for student use.
  • Simulators may only be used under direct guidance of trained faculty.
  • PYXIS:

Computerized Medication Administration System may only be used under direct guidance of trained faculty

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Dimensional Analysis Tutorial

Dimensional Analysis (“chemistry math”) - a process of manipulating units, which are actually descriptions of numbers, to solve mathematical equations. This method of mathematic problem solving is used in chemistry with great success.  If you need further assistance, please contact Melisa Berendson 650-3978

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