Simulation Scenario Roles
Simulation scenarios will most often be run in groups of 2-5 on average. There may be instances when you will be in the Simulation Center individually but mostly in a small group. Groups are picked at random and this is done for a reason. You need to get out of your comfort zone and work with individuals you are not necessarily close with. This simulates a real working environment in the hospital setting in which you may not know the people you work with.
Student Roles
- Registered Nurse - performs the duties/functions within the scope of the RN
- Licensed Practical Nurse - performs the duties/functions within the scope of the LPN
- Certified Nursing Assitant - performs the duties/functions within the scope of the CNA
- Family Member - acts on behalf of the patient and asks questions regarding care and guides care
- Recorder/Resource Nurse - documents and assists with team decisons
- Observer - takes notes of happenings and offers feedback to the group in the debriefing session
You will be assigned one of the above roles at random. It is important that you review the scope of practice for each role and abide by the duties/functions of the role you are given. You are being observed and evaluated by the way you function in a team, your decison making process and you clinical skills. The key is that you are functioning in a team. If you observe a team member doing something incorrectly or out of order, you need to intervene and redirect. Anyone on the team can do this and it is an expectation that all will. All team members should be collaborating, thinking and performing. It is not just the nurses who are being observed. Everyone can contribute . All team members have an obligation and responsibility of safe care.
Faculty Roles
Role of the Evaluator
While the simulation is running, there will always be one evaluator or possibly more. The evaluator will be observing all actions, communications and decisions made by the simulation team. Notes are taken during the simulation to assure accurate recall of events. During the simulation, the evaluator will be observing you and your team but it is important to note that little or no eye contact is made to allow the simulation to unfold. This is not reflective of your performance; it is simply to avoid leading the students too much. It is not appropriate to ask the evaluator questions during the simulation. At the end of the scenario/simulation a debriefing session will occur and is led by the evaluator. After the debriefing session, each person will be evaluated on an individual evaluation form.
Role of the Operator
In each simulation scenario there will be a faculty member running the mannequin from behind
a laptop computer. This individual is responsible for changing vital signs, lung sounds, heart
tones and overall patient response based on interventions performed. The Operator also acts
as the patient, responding to your assessment questions and data collection. The Operator
will karaoke patient replies and may answer in a male, female or both voices. The responses the patient provides are important to pay attention to as this may be giving you assessment data or historical perspective. The Operator is in plain sight but but It is not appropriate to ask the Operator questions during the simulation.
a laptop computer. This individual is responsible for changing vital signs, lung sounds, heart
tones and overall patient response based on interventions performed. The Operator also acts
as the patient, responding to your assessment questions and data collection. The Operator
will karaoke patient replies and may answer in a male, female or both voices. The responses the patient provides are important to pay attention to as this may be giving you assessment data or historical perspective. The Operator is in plain sight but but It is not appropriate to ask the Operator questions during the simulation.
Role of the Observer
There will be occasions when someone is invited to the Simulation Room to observe and learn how to effectively run a simulation scenario. This person is simply observing and will not interfere with the simulation.
Role of Assistive Personnel
While the simulation is running and team members are collaborating to make decisions on care, it is appropriate to seek advice when necessary. There are specific people you may solicit advice from and you may ask at any time to have the following:
· Peer Nurse – if you are in need of general assistance with protocol, etc…
· Charge Nurse – if you are in need of guidance from a team leader
· Instructor – if you are in need of education on a skill not learned or mastered
If at any time your group decides things are spiraling out of control and a regroup is necessary, you are allowed to call for one Time Out per scenario. This Time Out is not infinite and you may not perform tasks having to do with the patient or scenario. It is simply a time to regroup your thoughts and all get on the same page. You will be given a countdown to when the scenario will resume.
Role of Assistive Personnel
While the simulation is running and team members are collaborating to make decisions on care, it is appropriate to seek advice when necessary. There are specific people you may solicit advice from and you may ask at any time to have the following:
· Peer Nurse – if you are in need of general assistance with protocol, etc…
· Charge Nurse – if you are in need of guidance from a team leader
· Instructor – if you are in need of education on a skill not learned or mastered
If at any time your group decides things are spiraling out of control and a regroup is necessary, you are allowed to call for one Time Out per scenario. This Time Out is not infinite and you may not perform tasks having to do with the patient or scenario. It is simply a time to regroup your thoughts and all get on the same page. You will be given a countdown to when the scenario will resume.
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Phoenix College and the Maricopa Community Colleges are EEO/AA institutions.