These guidelines were developed to support a safe environment for teaching and learning within the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Simulation and Skills Lab. All students, faculty and staff utilizing the Simulation and Skill Lab are responsible for reviewing and abiding by the guidelines at all times.
- General Guidelines for Conduct in the Simulation/Skills Lab
- Professional behavior is always expected in the Simulation/Skills Lab by all users. Students are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct.
- All students and faculty are asked to wear their University of Pittsburgh Pitt 2P ID card when in the Simulation/Skills Lab unless participating in an activity that would specifically preclude such identification. Policy_AO_36.pdf (pitt.edu)
- The Simulation/Skills Lab cannot be held responsible for any personal items.
- All Simulation/Skills Lab users including students, faculty, and standardized patients, are expected to be punctual for learning sessions.
- Food and drinks are not permitted in the Simulation/Skills Lab rooms.
- Unauthorized photography is not permitted in Simulation/Skills Lab. Anyone requiring photographs for a presentation or poster will ensure that written consent is acquired from anyone featured in the photographs.
- Permission for the use of screen shots or video clips from session recording utilizing the B-Line system for purposes other than debriefing at Simulation immediately following the session (such as presentation or poster) must be obtained from the Director of Simulation.
- The computers located in Simulation Rooms and Skills Lab area are not for personal use.
- Anyone found intentionally damaging property or removing property or supplies from Simulation or Skills Lab without permission will be asked to leave the premises immediately. Subsequently, communication reporting the incident will be sent to the Director of Simulation and appropriate administrators. Actions taken will be consistent with those outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
https://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021_Academic-Year_Linked.pdf
- Universal Precautions, Personal Safety and Security
Simulation/Skills Lab users should follow universal precautions against infectious disease while participating in clinical activities. The following are a list of general precautions or ensure the personal safety and security of users:
- All sharps must be disposed of in an appropriately labeled sharps container.
- Under no circumstances may sharps or supplies be removed from Simulation/Skills Lab without permission.
- The medical and disposable equipment within Simulation/Skills Lab should never be used for clinical purposes. However, it should be treated with the same safety precautions employed with actual clinical equipment.
- Hand hygiene through hand washing or use of hand sanitizers shall be part of practice in Simulation/Skills Lab.
- All injuries shall be handled in accordance with the School of Nursing Policy. If an injury occurs with a needle or other sharp instrument, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible. https://www.nursing.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/policy-pdf/healthincidentreportformfillablewpolicylink08-09-21_0.pdf
- In the event of a true medical emergency such as loss of consciousness, University of Pittsburgh Police should be notified per University Policy. Emergency Management Guidelines.pdf (sharepoint.com)
- Any damaged, or potentially dangerous equipment is to be reported to Simulation/Skills Lab staff. The staff shall attempt to correct the problem and if unsuccessful, the Director of Simulation will be notified.
- Food grade products, including food grade animal by-products, may be used in the lab, provided it is coordinated with skills lab coordinator. Procurement, handling, and disposal at the completion of the session, as well as sanitization of any contact surfaces or instrumentation is the responsibility of the faculty/instructor teaching that session.
- Due to the complex requirements associated with the handling and management of biologic specimens and tissue, use is prohibited in the skills lab and simulation area. BIOSAFETY GUIDELINES (pitt.edu)
- Simulation and Lab Equipment Operation
- It is expected that all faculty/instructors have a working knowledge of any simulator, task trainer or other equipment prior to use. Training sessions may be provided as needed and should be arranged through the Lab Coordinator.
- To assist in the longevity of Simulation/Skills Lab equipment, faculty must use the equipment only as directed. Students may only use equipment under the supervision of faculty/instructors.
- If there are any questions as to the proper use of a piece of equipment, the Lab Coordinator should be consulted.
- All medical equipment in Simulation/Skills Lab is intended for non-clinical use only and therefore cannot be used on or offsite in the care of actual patients.
- Many items are donated or sold with the explicit understanding that they are intended for training purposes only and may be associated with legal agreements to that effect.
- Maintenance Plan for Trainers / Manikins / Equipment
After each use:
- Wipe down all manikins and low fidelity skills trainers to remove all adhesives, moulage and markings.
- Drain all fluids and the flush tubing system. Top off all fluids as needed.
- Assess all task trainers, manikins and medical equipment for obvious damage, leaks, necessary part replacements, and cleanliness. If not in use or scheduled to be used, once wiped, drained and dried, store in appropriate area.
- Check supply of sheets, replace as needed.
- Power off simulators.
Weekly as indicated:
- Clean and inspect all equipment
- Wipe down skin/covers. Remove any adhesive, moulage or markings left on skin
- Turn on and test all electronic devices, check/replace batteries as needed
- Run associated programs that control equipment
- Drain all fluids and the flush tubing system. Top off all fluids as needed. Add antifungal agent as needed.
- Change dirty/wet linen and clothing.
Monthly as indicated:
- Inspect (and if needed replace) all disposable parts
- Assess for wear and tear that might need major work or factory service
When there is a non-routine issue with a piece of equipment, the Lab Coordinator will attempt to trouble shoot, resolving the situation themselves. If this is not possible, they will contact the vendor and determine the next steps, whether that includes trouble shooting guidance by phone, return of the equipment by mail to the vendor for repair, or an onsite visit by the vendor. If there is no resolution to the problem within five working days, they will escalate the issue to the Director of Simulation. If there is a piece of equipment that is due for replacement due to age or wear, replacement of that item will be included in the annual request. This system of maintenance also holds true for the computers, AV and software systems (specifically B-Line) in the facility.
- External Vendors at Simulation/Skills Lab
Courses involving external vendors must adhere to the follow:
- Faculty or Simulation/Skills Lab staff must remain at the Simulation/Skills Lab for the duration that vendor is onsite.
- The vendor is responsible for their product at all times; The School of Nursing, Faculty or Simulation/Skills Lab staff are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
- The vendor must coordinate all shipping logistics, including shipping labels, packaging, pick up location and transport.
- If the product demonstration includes the usage of animal parts, the faculty and/or vendor are responsible to clean the area and correctly dispose of all material.
- Guideline Violations
Any breach of the guidelines will result in a verbal reminder with re-education. Serious infractions will be addressed as per the University of Pittsburgh Student Code of Conduct Policy.