Nursing and midwifery student experience at UL to transform with new Simulation Suite

Nursing and midwifery student experience at UL to transform with new Simulation Suite. Dr Liz Kingston, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Melissa Browne, Clinical Skills and Simulation Educator, and Professor Pauline Meskell, former Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, pictured with ‘Annie’, the manikin simulator.

A new immersive simulation suite at University of Limerick is preparing nursing and midwifery students to make a difference in healthcare

The state-of-the-art immersive Simulation Suite at UL’s School of Nursing and Midwifery was created to meet the growing needs of healthcare education and bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world clinical practice.

By replicating an acute nursing and midwifery environment, the Simulation Suite gives students the confidence, skills and experience needed before stepping into professional practice.

The new facility provides students with simulated care scenarios through the use of a manikin simulator, allowing students to develop complex clinical and communication skills without the risk of harm to real patients. The facility also includes a control room with state-of-the-art AV technology where scenarios are guided by expert educators.

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The Simulation Suite adds to the facilities on offer within the School of Nursing and Midwifery at UL designed to enhance students’ clinical skills and knowledge in preparation for practice placement opportunities.

Professor Deirdre McGrath, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences at UL, welcomed the opening of the new Simulation Suite.

“We are delighted to mark the launch of the School of Nursing and Midwifery Simulation Suite, a transformative addition that will significantly enhance our students’ experience,” she said.

“This state-of-the-art facility will support more complex and dynamic clinically based learning and improve opportunities for student observation, participation and learning.  It will also assist us with accommodating growing student numbers while meeting the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

“Importantly, the Simulation Suite aligns closely with the University’s strategic priorities – advancing educational excellence, supporting sustainable growth, strengthening our competitiveness, addressing critical healthcare workforce needs, and deepening engagement with our community, industry and HSE partners.”

Dr Liz Kingston, Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at UL, said: “The launch of our new Simulation Suite marks a landmark achievement for our School. By providing a cutting-edge, safe learning environment, we are ensuring our nursing and midwifery students master their skills through true immersion.”

Melissa Browne, Clinical Skills and Simulation Educator at UL’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, added: “By combining current simulation technologies with our expert facilitators, we are engaging in dynamic and transformational teaching and research that makes significant contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of local, national and global communities.”

The new Simulation Suite at UL’s School of Nursing and Midwifery was supported by funding from the Higher Education Authority.