Texas Wesleyan University hosted its annual Simulation Symposium, designed to equip second-year nurse anesthesia residents with essential skills for their upcoming clinicals. Over five days, participants engaged in simulations covering critical scenarios, including complications during C-section births and methods for intubating patients who have vomited. This hands-on training aims to enhance the preparedness of future nurse anesthetists before they start their clinical placements in January.
Kylee Holden, a third-year nursing anesthesia student, attended the symposium last year prior to her clinical rotation at JPS Health Network. Reflecting on her experience, Holden, who served as an instructor at this year’s event, expressed how valuable the training was for easing the transition into clinical practice. “It was really valuable to make it even just a tiniest bit more comfortable going into starting our clinicals,” she stated.
The symposium, which began in 2015, has grown significantly, now utilizing multiple buildings across the Texas Wesleyan campus. According to Brian Cornelius, director of the university’s nurse anesthesia simulation center, this expansion allows for improved instruction and better simulation of real-world scenarios. “When they leave there, it won’t be a controlled setting,” Cornelius explained. “When you get to the operating room, the next time they see it, it may be totally uncontrolled.”
Participants navigated more than a dozen simulation stations equipped with state-of-the-art mannequins and cutting-edge ultrasound technology. This setup enabled students to practice detailed needle injections and even work with cadavers featuring artificial pulses. The innovative technology was developed by Maverick Medical Education, a health education initiative founded by Texas Wesleyan graduates.
In previous years, the symposium was limited to a single room, often resulting in overcrowding. The expansion across four buildings has allowed for a more organized and comprehensive learning environment. Cornelius noted, “Now they really are getting the latest, greatest and best education we can offer them.”
Students received training from certified registered nurse anesthetists, many of whom are Texas Wesleyan alumni. Additionally, third-year nursing students like Holden provided mentorship, which Cornelius highlighted as a vital component of the training process. The peer guidance significantly aids in preparing students for clinical practice, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle real-world challenges.
The event also welcomed about 20 industry sponsors, enabling nursing students to network with company representatives before entering the workforce. Several sponsors commented that graduates from Texas Wesleyan’s nursing anesthesia program are exceptionally prepared to begin their clinical roles. Cornelius remarked on the significance of industry participation, stating, “That they would take their time and pay money to come here and meet these people face-to-face early on is a huge difference and a big deal to us.”
The Simulation Symposium underscores Texas Wesleyan University’s commitment to providing high-quality education and training for future nurse anesthetists, ensuring they are ready to deliver safe and effective patient care in diverse clinical settings.
