Simulated success: RN creates ‘wounds’ and more for training

Nurses aren’t often asked to create chronic wounds, but that’s part of RN Crystel Schuchmann’s line of work.

After graduating from the University of the Sunshine Coast with a bachelor of nursing science, Schuchmann gained work in the Fraser Coast labs of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine. There, she prepares high-tech patient manikins for scenario-based simulation training of students.

As a clinical simulation technical officer, Schuchmann programs simulated heart attacks, septic shock and pneumonia and creates fake wounds.

“My role involves creating hospital scenarios with the advanced interactive manikins that are as real as possible for the students,” she said. “I can program the manikins to simulate certain medical conditions and diseases, and the equipment we use to treat them is the same equipment used in the real world of healthcare.”

Schuchmann sat down with Nursing Review to discuss her role and what goes into preparing a manikin for educational purposes.

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