What do you call a man who displays symptoms of virtually every ailment possible, but lets amateurs treat him? METIman, iStan, or various names all describe the very lifelike patient simulators used to train nurses today. Simulation labs are regarded as the most advanced learning tools for nursing students because they create realistic scenarios in class settings so the number of medical errors they make during practical application exercises are significantly reduced. “I am a firm believer in the value of nursing simulation as an integral component of the classroom environment because it produces amazingly ‘real-life’ situations in which students learn by doing,” notes Dr. Robert Anders, Vice President of Nursing for Fortis. One of the most advanced simulators, METIman has a pulse and reactive pupils, blinks his eyes, produces normal and abnormal breathing and heart sounds, and suffers seizures, among a myriad of potential symptoms. He and fellow patient simulators integrate seamlessly into nursing programs where students must learn to manage airways, suction fluids, defibrillate patients, perform CPR, take blood pressure, perform EKGs and more. Anything a nurse needs to do on the job, he or she will have practiced on these simulator patients. Local medical employers, business leaders and prospective Fortis College students in Ravenna, Ohio, had the chance to meet METIman up close and personal by “treating” a multitude of his symptoms during a recent open house. And the best part? METIman always comes back for more! Ever wonder if you’ve got the “right stuff” to be a nurse? Think you’d like to hone your health care skills on patient simulators? Why not check out www.fortis.edu to see which nursing career path might be right for you?
