The learning laboratory, consisting of a nursing skills and physical assessment lab, provide nursing students with a variety of opportunities to see, learn, and practice nursing skills and procedures in simulated settings.
The nursing skills lab is a simulated 5 bed health care setting, equipped with life-size mannequins, a variety of models, skills equipment and supplies.
In addition, a simulated adult and pediatric intensive care unit has just recently been completed. Students practice psychomotor skills form basic bed making to more complex skills such as urinary catheterizations and tracheostomy care. Students are supervised by faculty and a graduate teaching assistant while gaining confidence in skill acquisition in a protected and safe environment.
The health assessment lab is comprised of 8 examining tables and physical assessment equipment. The Learning Laboratory enables students to practice and develop the types of skills they will use frequently in various patient interactions and care settings. A $25,000 NIU Initiative Grant awarded in 1998 facilitated the updating of the Learning Laboratory.
One corner of the learning lab serves as a resource area providing students with an opportunity to access of a variety of nursing journals. Journals may be checked out through the LLC for overnight use. Numerous nursing diagnosis, care planning, and textbooks are also available for student use