Nursing Simulation Center

“Code Blue! Code Blue!” Students jump into action in the patient’s room, assess the situation, interpret the heart rhythm, and begin cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using the skills just learned in class. The ‘patient’ survives, though the ‘patient ‘is not actually a live person in a hospital, but a high-fidelity simulator in a realistic-looking setting.

Simulation has transformed nursing education because it provides experiential learning and a chance to practice critical thinking skills, as in a hospital setting, but in a safe environment. Students work in groups, often changing roles, to practice caring for ‘patients’ with conditions they may not ever encounter as students in a hospital, including uncommon but potentially life-threatening problems such as shock or hemorrhage.

The Clayton State University School of Nursing Simulation Center has adult, child and pediatric simulators, including ‘Noelle’, A realistic maternal health birthing simulator, who gives birth realistically. Students care for patient simulators which replicate human functions such as blood pressure, pulse, breath sounds, and bowel sounds, and can even ‘talk’ live with the use of an audio system.

Action can be stopped for teaching and a video of the entire simulation can be recorded for debriefing. Debriefing is an essential component of simulation as students can critique their own work, ask questions, and allow the instructor to discuss best practices. Often students debrief each other, pointing out gaps and errors, and congratulating good decisions by their teammates.

Students can practice many skills at once in simulation, such as therapeutic conversations, medication administration, and dressing changes. Experiences are planned by the faculty to meet course objectives and promote key concepts such as communication, safety, teamwork, and leadership to prepare future expert nurses.

Simulation Centers - Main Campus

Harry S. Downs Center - Nursing Laboratory
CE 117 (lower level)
Clayton State University
2000 Clayton State Blvd.
Morrow, GA 30260

Harry S. Downs Center - Obstetrics/Pediatrics
CE 323 (upper level)
Clayton State University
2000 Clayton State Blvd.
Morrow, GA 30260

Simulation Centers - Fayette Instructional Site

Center for Innovation - Nursing Laboratory
Room 506
250 South Peachtree Parkway
Peachtree City 30269 

(678) 466-4946

Simulation Lab Coordinator
Avin Koralagamage 

Simulation Guidelines

• Treat the environment and simulator as real. Call the simulated client by name; perform as you would in an actual environment. As a practice environment, errors are expected; however, risky behavior toward the simulated patient, students, or others, whether the behavior is real or simulated, is not allowed.
• Treat information about the simulated client as with a real client. Be aware of HIPAA laws; practice confidentiality.
• Do not discuss or share information about the performance of classmates in simulation. This is a safe learning environment.
• Dress appropriately for patient care; bring stethoscope and supplies.
• Do not bring food or drink into the simulated environment.
• Turn off cell phones and other ringing devices.
• Bring resources, including I-phones and I-pads with appropriate applications, such as medical and drug references.

Program Goals

Having enough hospital experience to ‘think like a nurse’ and be confident upon graduation is a concern of most nursing students. What if there were a way to practice on patients without ever harming them, to ‘do over’ when results were not what were expected, and you could practice your growing critical thinking and patient care skills, even stopping time, so your teacher could help you figure it out at your own pace?

High fidelity simulation is changing nursing education in a radical way, by allowing the student to drive his/her educational experiences in a safe environment; one that does not pose the risks and hazards of an actual hospital environment.

Simulation is used to teach students how to manage basic patient care which becomes progressively more complex as students advance through the program. Simulation manikins are ‘moulaged’ to have the sights, sounds, and smells of real situations, such as bloody bowel movements, stab wounds, or vomit. In the capstone experience students will practice managing patients with complex problems such as cardiac arrest in preparation for patient care upon graduation.

Nurse educators work closely with students in debriefing to refine thinking skills and improve knowledge. Students work and support each other as teams, often changing roles to experience different aspects of patient care. Simulations are video recorded so students can reflect on their actions and decisions afterward, and learn from them.

Support the Simulation Center

To provide realistic patient scenarios we will occasionally seek donations of used clothes for infants, children, adults, ladies make-up, and wigs. Please contact us at (678) 466-4946 if you have a donation.

If you believe that simulation is the future of nursing education, please consider financial support of our program. High fidelity simulation uses sensitive equipment and computers to maintain its ‘life-like’ appearance. Donated funds will support adding a qualified simulation technician to our team to prepare and repair our equipment for use.

Tour the Simulation Center

Tours can be arranged by appointment.
Contact Us