Traditional nursing education in Alberta is receiving a high-tech makeover thanks to life-like mannequins like Alex in the Bow Valley College simulation lab.
These mannequins, equipped with breathing, blinking, and speaking capabilities, are shaping the future of nursing education. Bow Valley College stands at the forefront of this innovation, utilizing these advanced mannequins to prepare practical nursing students for real-life scenarios at patient bedsides.
The college incorporates various teaching methods, including simulation labs, virtual reality sets, and AI-enabled mannequins, to enhance the learning experience. This comprehensive approach has proven beneficial for students like Samantha Myles, who credits the combination of in-person learning and technology for boosting her confidence as she transitions from student to nurse.
Bow Valley College is leading the digital revolution in nursing education by replacing up to 30 percent of clinical hours with simulation labs and virtual reality. This program, the largest of its kind in Canada, is ensuring that future nurses are well-prepared to meet the demands of a tech-driven healthcare environment.
Noting the province-wide shortage of nurses, Howland also says there is less opportunity for new nurses to have mentors and find placements to get the proper amount of clinical hours required to graduate. That’s where technology fills the gap, and program leaders say they hope their methods will be adopted across Canada.
