Huskies from athletic training and nursing joined forces Nov. 11 during an interprofessional education (IPE) mass casualty and emergency care simulation at Anderson Hall. The event was funded through a College of Education Instructional Innovation grant written by Nicholas Grahovec, assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education and athletic training program director.
“This event brought together two health care disciplines to act on and triage mass-casualty and emergency-care simulations,” Grahovec said. “In today’s health care world, positive patient outcomes are the ultimate goal. Interprofessional practice – collaborative practice – has been shown to help provide the best outcomes for the patient by bringing in a variety of perspectives based upon each individual clinicians’ area of expertise.”
More than 20 students gathered to address three unique simulation scenarios. The situations included an overheated marathon runner, an individual who fell off a ladder and a bleacher collapse that resulted in multiple victims needing triage. The grant provided funding for moulage materials and additional supplies to create more-authentic simulation experiences including fake bruising, blood and broken bones, and allowed students to participate in real-life scenarios within their respective fields of study.
Grahovec said modeling this interdisciplinary approach in the health care education programs at NIU affords students the opportunity to learn about other health care disciplines early and often.
“Many of the health care education programs here at NIU also have to be in compliance with accreditation standards, which require interprofessional education and collaboration,” Grahovec said. “We hope to continue this event in the future and include our other health care disciplines at NIU.”
Grahovec coordinated the event and was supported by athletic training professors Tyler Wood and William Pitney, and nursing professors Kristen Selig, Linda Sietsema and Chantal Manhart.
Selig, acting director of undergraduate studies for NIU School of Nursing, said she was grateful for the opportunity as it provides real-world experiences that are important for students.
“Simulation helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed as healthcare professionals,” Selig said. “Events like this allow students to gain a more in-depth knowledge of the role each plays as well as their scope of practice,” Selig said.
Learn more about athletic training and nursing at NIU.
