WVNCC unveils new nursing simulation labs

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) unveiled its new nursing simulation lab today with a ribbon cutting on its Wheeling Campus. The new lab includes a control room, plus four patient rooms with state-of-the-art software and technology-enabled high-fidelity mannequins with human-like features. Similar lab and equipment upgrades have also been completed on its New Martinsville and Weirton Campuses as part of the $1 million Nursing Workforce Expansion Program grant awarded through Governor Jim Justice’s Office.

“Our students can now learn in a realistic medical environment with new facilities, equipment and the latest technology for nursing education,” commented WVNCC President, Dr. Daniel Mosser. “These new labs will provide Northern students with the skills they need to enter the workforce and the training needed to provide outstanding patient care.”

On the Wheeling Campus, the new lab consists of four patient rooms with three adult mannequins, one child mannequin and one infant mannequin. The high-fidelity mannequins are computerized and can simulate real medical scenarios, including breath sounds, heart sounds, pupillary changes, display EKG, pulse oximeter, blood pressure pulmonary artery wave forms, and other readings. Students will be able to administer injections and IV’s and perform other invasive procedures on these mannequins.

“Performing essential skills within a scenario in a safe environment is the best possible training technique for our students,” added WVNCC Nursing Program Director, Jill Keyser. “We are very fortunate to have received the grant through the Nursing Workforce Expansion Program. This will take Northern’s nurse education and training to the next level for our students and for anyone receiving patient care in the Ohio Valley.”

The new lab in Wheeling is located in the College’s Education Center. The building also includes a recently renovated simulation lab for the Radiography. The college also offers additional healthcare programs such as Health Information Technology, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Patient Care Technician, Surgical Technology and more.  .