A dozen new training arms in the practical nursing labs are being regularly punctured by second year students.

The reason is that the practical nurse program had added another skill--intravenous initiation. Previously students were only allowed to monitor and maintain IV lines, but with the ever changing role of the licensed practical nurse, their scope of practice now includes IV initiations.

“To better prepare our students for the workforce Lakeland College has purchased 12 new training arms designed to help students in start IVs and venipucture,” says Sarah LaBoucane, educational lab technician and a graduate of Lakeland’s PN program.

The IV trainer gives unlimited access to the major veins in the arm hand as well as a deltoid IM injection site. Student scan palpate the arm and hand which have a humanistic feel. After the vein is located and the needle inserted, blood may be drawn or fluid injected.

“It’s important for our students to feel comfortable when they are on practicum attempting a skill for the first time,” she says. “These IV training arms give our students an opportunity to gain confidence and experience prior to their clinical practicum.”

Watch the lab in action on the slide show and or the video below.