Mayo Clinic Nursing Simulation Lab: Preparing Nurses for Critical Situations and Enhancing Patient Care

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN is dedicated to providing its staff with the best education and training possible. In 2022, the nursing simulation lab at St. Mary’s was established to enhance the skills and confidence of nurses. The lab is equipped with four medical mannequins that function like real humans, providing a safe environment for more than 13,000 nurses to practice and learn from their mistakes.

Nursing Education Coordinator Paul Branstad explained that the mannequins can simulate rare diseases to provide a realistic learning experience. This has been instrumental in professional development for many nurses, including Zachary Bernatz who works in the Intensive Care Unit at Mayo Clinic. Bernatz mentioned that practicing different emergency scenarios in the lab has improved his confidence in handling similar situations with real patients.

The simulation lab has helped nurses keep their skills sharp and respond effectively to critical situations. Nursing Education Specialist Michelle Coy shared a powerful story where a group of nurses practiced a cardiac emergency scenario and successfully saved the life of a real patient the very next day in a similar situation. Mayo Clinic believes that the simulation lab plays a crucial role in enhancing patient care by providing nurses with hands-on training and real-time feedback.

Mayo Clinic recognizes the impact of simulation training on patient outcomes and remains committed to providing a state-of-the-art learning environment for its staff. The feedback and experience gained in the simulation lab are invaluable for nurses throughout their careers, preparing them to handle challenging situations with confidence.