HAMLET — Thursday’s cold, dreary weather didn’t prevent an array of visitors from touring the new spaces being utilized by students currently enrolled in the variety of nursing programs offered by Richmond Community College.
RCC President Dr. Dale McInnis greeted community members as they arrived, speaking with pride about the section of the building that previously served as a psychiatric treatment center. It will now serve as part of the nursing program with hands-on training utilizing high-fidelity life-sized mannequins.
Nursing Instructor Ronnie Tunstall worked with two young students dressed in burgundy scrubs in the Pediatric Suite with a child-size mannequin that had blinking eyes and a visibly rising chest. They talked about the proper techniques to use to check for vital signs with children this size as well as younger children.
In the Women Services Suite, Emily Aycock, MSN, was proud of the mannequins that she was using with her instruction—mom Noel and her baby, and the new training facilities that will be part of the RCC nursing program.
She said that each semester the nursing students are able to focus on specific areas before moving on through the program and building upon their skills.
Lead Instructor Robyn Davis, RN, spoke about the Dialysis Technician program offered at Richmond Community College that can be completed in less than a year.
“The job market in this field is wide open,” Davis said. “Large companies are looking for well-trained applicants with these skills .”
Another classroom is set up for wound care/IV therapy. Kay Privette, MSN, RN, worked with two students in this area, where they learn about different types of wounds, how to appropriately measure them, as well as causes and treatment.
A debriefing room is set up with a huge video monitor that allows viewing of the recording of the instruction going on in each training area, with a computer lab next door. The nursing station is well-equipped and centrally located on the hallway next to the observation room and the Adult Simulation Lab.
In that lab, a team of nursing students worked cooperatively to assist a mannequin experiencing various symptoms after being admitted with complications of diabetes.
Simulation technician Lindell Bright served as the voice of the mannequin, telling the nurses he was “in so much pain,” his “stomach was aching,” he was “burning up,” and made vomiting noises.
The students had to decide how to treat the patient with minimal instructor assistance. Through this type of training, the nursing students will increase their capabilities, teamwork skills and self-confidence.
For more information about the different nursing programs offered at Richmond Community College in Hamlet, visit www.richmondcc.edu.
