SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING, MIDWIFERY AND HEALTH STUDIES

Guidelines for Professional Behaviour in the Clinical Skills

Laboratory

Version 2:

June 2016

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CONTENTS

1. Clinical Skills Laboratory (CSL) 3

2. Purpose of Guidelines 3

3. CSL Staff 3

4. Opening Hours 4

5. Access to CSL 4

6. Layout of the CSL 4

6.1 Wards 5

6.2. SimMan 5

6.3. Community Apartment 6

7. Skills Training 6

7.1 Compulsory Skills Sessions 6

7.2 Other Skills Sessions 6

8. Laboratory Access for Self-Directed Learning (SDL) 7

9. Dress Code 7

9.1 Dress for OSCE’s 8

10. General Behaviour 8

11. Health and Safety 10

11.1 Moving and Handling 10

11.2 Waste Disposal 10

11.2.1 Handling Sharps 11

11.3 Latex gloves and latex allergy 11

11.4 Fire Safety 12

11.5 Incidents / Accidents 12

11. Policies / Procedures / Guidelines 12

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1. Clinical Skills Laboratory (CSL)

The Clinical Skills Laboratory (CSL) makes available/ provides the opportunity for

the student to learn and safely practice clinical skills in a controlled environment,

in preparation for the administration/provision of quality care to the client. The

area is purposely designed to replicate healthcare settings or living environments

and facilitates undergraduate and postgraduate students to develop their clinical

skills.

The CSL simulates a hospital unit, equipped with 18 hospital beds, wash hand

basins, variety of life size mannequins to simulate client care situations

/scenarios (Wilford and Doyle, 2006; Mcbeth-Snyder and Welsh, 2009; Sinclair

and Ferguson, 2009; Cant & Cooper, 2010; Mariani, et al., 2015). It contains up

to date teaching and learning resources such as audiovisual equipment, scientific

charts and anatomical models, disposable and non-disposable supplies utilised

in client care.

2. Purpose of these Guidelines The guidelines contained in this document outline acceptable standards of

behaviour expected from those using facilities in the CSL. This document must

be read in conjunction with the DkIT Code of Conduct Policy document which

can be located in the DkIT Student Handbook or on https://www.dkit.ie/dundalk-

institute-technology/documents-forms/code-conduct

These guidelines have been compiled to ensure that the CSL is maintained as a

professional clinical area for your learning. Scheduling, maintenance, etiquette

and security must be adhered to by all users. This guideline is designed to act as

a guide, which provides information essential to ensuring the smooth, effective

running of the CSL whilst providing the best possible learning environment.

3. Clinical Skills Laboratory Staff Sharon Tuohy – Technical Officer 042-9370268

Sharon.tuohy@dkit.ie

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4. Opening Hours The CSL is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Arranging to use

the CSL requires advance notice and is at the discretion of the Clinical Technical

Officer. Please email Sharon (Sharon.tuohy@dkit.ie) to book the CSL.

5. Access to CSL You will gain access to the CSL via a member of the lecturing staff or the Clinical

Technical Officer.

For security/safety purposes it is imperative that under no circumstances

should you:

Enter the CSL without permission

Facilitate access of anyone not personally known to you

Leave either of the main entrance doors to the CSL propped open.

6. Layout of the CSL The CSL is situated on the first floor of the Muirhevna Building. It offers facilities

to practice and learn a wide range of nursing/midwifery skills in an environment

that is safe and conducive to learning.

The CSL consists of a number of different areas:

Six Bedded Wards (M231, M234 and M241)

Intensive Care Unit (M232)

Birthing Suite (M233)

Community Flat (M219)

Simulated Bathroom (M236)

Preparation Room (M239)

Multi-sensory room (M217)

Nurses Station / Reception Area

Some of these areas are described in more detail below

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6.1 Wards The ward areas have a total of 18 bed spaces. Each bed space is fitted with

medical air, suction control units, patient call bell and emergency call bell system.

There are also:

Mannequins on which most nursing/midwifery skills/interventions can be

practiced. They are used to demonstrate a variety of clinical skills, such as

client hygiene, measuring vital signs, injection technique, wound management

and basic life support.

A variety of equipment that can be found in the hospital setting including a

drug trolley, drug cabinet, emergency trolley, manual handling devices,

infusion pumps and client monitors e.g. ECG monitor, CPAP.

A large range of disposable equipment for demonstrating and practicing

nursing/midwifery skills.

Resuscitation equipment (used for demonstrations only) can be located in the

corridor of the CSL.

A birthing suite, fully equipped to facilitate care of the woman and/or her baby

during pregnancy, labour, birth and the puerperium.

6.2 SimMan

The CSL has one SimMan, which is located in Ward M241. SimMan is used in

the Complex Healthcare Needs module and the Emergency Care module

extensively. This mannequin is very expensive, technically complex and has

sensitive equipment attached therefore training is necessary to use him

effectively and safely. This piece of equipment should only be used by students

under the supervision of a member of the lecturing staff.

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6.3 Community Apartment (M219)

The community apartment consists of a furnished kitchen, bathroom and

living/bedroom area. It is fully equipped with cooker, washing machine, fridge,

kettle, iron and kitchen utensils. It is a multi purpose educational facility widely

used by all students in the Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Studies.

It can simulate the residences of clients living in the community setting. This is a

safe, non - threatening and friendly environment. One of the best ways to learn is

by discussion and debate. The apartment provides a comfortable atmosphere for

students to talk with peers and teaching staff about issues and dilemmas in client

care.

7. Skills Training Skills sessions will form part of your semester timetable and it is the responsibility

of students to ensure that they check their individual timetable and attend for the

sessions at the designated time. Students should not swap their assigned skills

session without first notifying the relevant lecturer. Students who do not attend on

the designated date and time for skills training may not be facilitated at a

subsequent session; this decision is at the lecturer’s discretion. Further

information as appropriate will be provided by your module co-ordinator.

7.1. Compulsory Skills Sessions

Some modules have a compulsory clinical skills training component and

attendance at these skill sessions is mandatory.

7.2 Other Skills Sessions In addition to the compulsory clinical skills training sessions, other modules may

contain a clinical skills component. Furthermore, these skills may also form part

of the overall module assessment e.g. an OSCE.

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8. Laboratory Access for Self-Directed Learning (SDL)

The weekly lab schedule is busy with formal teaching sessions but there are

various times during the week when the labs are available for Self-Directed

Learning.

Students who wish to use the CSL to practice their clinical skills will be

accommodated to do so by emailing the Technical Officer

(Sharon.tuohy@dkit.ie). It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that he/she

reads and adheres to the guidelines contained within this document when using

the CSL.

9. Dress Code Clinical skills sessions include activities such as Manual Handling, CPR,

Bedmaking, Bed Bathing etc. and involves working in close proximity to other

students. Therefore the recommended dress in the CSL is as follows:

Clothing: should be non-restrictive, which allows for comfort during skill

activity and consideration of modesty in respect for all participants. Hence, it

is recommended that tracksuit bottoms and a navy, crested polo T-shirt is

recommended to be worn. Crested T-shirts can be purchased at the

beginning of Semester 1 (please see Sharon.tuohy@dkit.ie for further

details). Students in some programmes e.g. B.Sc. in General Nursing may be

required to wear their professional uniform when in the CSL.

Footwear: flat shoes must be worn at all times for clinical skills

training/demonstrations but are compulsory for manual handling, breakaway

training and CPR. Sandals, heels or open shoes must not be worn in the

CSL.

Hair: should be neatly groomed. Hair that is shoulder length or longer should

be drawn back and secured.

Fingernails: should be clean and short and the use of nail polish is

discouraged. False nails should not be worn.

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Jewellery: to mirror the accepted standard in practice the clinical skills

laboratory has adopted a bare below the elbow policy, however wedding

bands are allowed as per the clinical policy.

9.1 Dress Code for OSCE’s.

Unless otherwise instructed by your lecturer your full clinical uniform must be

worn for OSCE’s. In addition you should ensure that you have any additional

equipment that you may need to perform the required OSCE (e.g. watch with

second hand, sphygmomanometer). Students are advised to seek further

advice/guidance on OSCE’s from their lecturing staff.

10. General Behaviour 10.1 You must follow the instructions of your lecturer/demonstrator during

laboratory periods. Your lecturer/demonstrator will ask you to leave the

laboratory if you are behaving in a manner that compromises the safety or

learning of yourself or others.

10.2 You must arrive on time for laboratory classes. These classes may begin

with an explanatory lecture and practical demonstration or skills training. If you

are late for mandatory sessions were a certificate of attendance is issued, your

lecturer will not allow you to join the class. if there are safety implications.

Where you are allowed to join the class late this will be documented in your

attendance records.

10.3 Please keep noise to a minimum during SDL sessions so as not to disturb

other teaching /SDL sessions that may also be occurring at the same time.

Failure to do this may result in expulsion from the lab.

10.4 Students who are suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs

will be asked to leave the Clinical Skills Laboratory.

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10.5 All mobile phones must be turned off on entering the CSL to prevent

interruption /distraction during classes.

10.6 Students must familiarise themselves with fire exits and ensure that all exits

remain free of clutter at all times.

10.7 No bags are allowed in the CSL area - prior to commencing class all bags

should be stored in the appropriate changing room. M225 is the female changing

room and M202 is the male changing room. For your own security valuables

should not be left in these changing areas.

10.8 Eating, drinking and chewing gum are prohibited in any area of the CSL.

10.9 To avoid slips, trips and falls please ensure that all spillages are cleaned

up immediately and the area dried or marked with a safety cone.

10.10 Please dispose of litter or waste in the appropriate white bins provided.

10.11 Do not experiment with equipment or resources without the approval or

supervision of a lecturer or Technical Officer.

10.12 Learning nursing/midwifery skills incorporates effective planning and

preparation of the area therefore all equipment should be returned to its exact

place. Please treat the furniture and equipment with care.

10.13 Please inform a member of staff or the Technical Officer about any

breakages or damage to equipment.

10.14 Always wash your hands before entering and when leaving the CSL.

10.15 Please leave all areas tidy after use, including returning all chairs

/equipment to their original location.

You are required to behave professionally at all times in the CSL.

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11. Health and Safety

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 states that persons within an

institution (such as DkiT) should not be exposed to any potential risks to their

safety and health. This health and safety legislation will be adhered to during the

teaching of all nursing skills. Please refer to the School of Health and Science

Safety Statement and Safe Work Practice Procedures for detailed information on

safety and health issues located at the nurses’ station / reception area.

11.1 Moving and Handling

Please mind your back at all times and remember to use the moving and

handling skills taught during your training. Where possible incorporate a no lifting

approach to all your activities and use trolleys to move equipment rather than

carrying it. Do not move or handle equipment if you have not completed the

moving and handling study day. For further information about moving and

handling in the CSL and the School of Health and Science please refer to the

manual handling safe work practice procedures located at the nurses station /

reception area.

11.2 Waste Disposal Correct waste disposal is of vital importance in the Clinical Skills labs. The types

of waste that are generated in the labs include sharps waste, other clinical waste

and general waste, each of which must be disposed of correctly at source. The

white bins should be used for all household and general waste (non-risk waste).

There are yellow bins in the clinical skills laboratory for clinical waste (risk waste)

only. Therefore, only clinical waste should go into the yellow bins.

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11.2.1 Handling Sharps

Please adhere to standard precautions when handling needles, syringes, lancets,

scalpels, stitch cutters or anything else that may break the skin. Use the

universal sharps disposal container provided to dispose of these items

immediately after use and ensure these containers are closed after use.

Sharps must not be carried or handled unnecessarily. For further information

about sharps injury in the CSL please refer to the ‘Needle Stick Injury’ safe

work practice procedures located at the nurse’s station / reception area.

11.3 Latex Gloves and Latex Allergy

For some skills it will be necessary to wear protective gloves. If you are aware

that you have an allergy to latex, powder free gloves are available in the CSL.

Student must report any pre-existing allergy to the relevant member of the

lecturing staff or the Technical Officer.

Do not under any circumstances put on latex gloves if you have had any

reaction to the wearing of latex gloves or a latex reaction previously.

Should a student have a reaction to latex while in the lab this must be reported to

both the Technical Officer & the Head of Department as a referral to

Occupational Health Department, Kells Road, Ardee no: 041 6857811 is

required.

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11.4 Fire Safety

On discovering a fire or smell of smoke raise the alarm by activating the nearest

fire alarm and notifying a staff member – never attempt to put out the fire

yourself. On hearing the fire alarm, immediately evacuate the building by the

nearest exit and make your way to the nearby assembly point F. Do not use the

lift or stop to collect bags and coats. Co-operate with fire wardens and do not re-

enter the building until told it is safe to do so. In line with current legislation,

smoking is not permitted anywhere in the clinical skills laboratory.

11.5 Incidents / Accidents

All incidents, accidents or near misses in the CSL must be reported to the

Technical Officer. A list of First Aid personnel and the location of the nearest first

aid box are available on each floor. Also the relevant member of staff must

complete an incident/accident form at time of the incident / accident. Please see

attached for the new Incident/Accident report form

https://www.dkit.ie/system/files/ACCIDENT%20INCIDENT%20REPORT%20FORM_0.pdf

12. Policies / procedures / guidelines

Copies of all of the policies, procedures and guidelines mentioned in this

document are located by the nurses’ station / reception area in the CSL. They

are for reference only and should not be removed from the CSL.

Local clinical policies, procedures and guidelines are also available for

reference purpose; these are also located beside the nurses’ station / reception

area in the CSL.

Thanking you for your co-operation.

April 2016

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References

Cant, R. P. and Cooper, S. J. (2010), Simulation-based learning in nurse education: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66 (1), pp. 3–15. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05240.x

Ireland, The Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Dublin

Mariani, B., Cantrell, M. A., Meakim, C., & Jenkinson, A. (2015). Improving Students' Safety Practice Behaviors Through a Simulation-Based Learning Experience. Journal of Nursing Education, 54(3, Suppl), S35.

Mcbeth-Snyder, L. and Welsh, M. (2009) Using Simulation to Increase Patient safety a model for Midwifery Education and Practice. presented at the 10th annual interdisciplinary research conference 5th November 2009.Trinity College Dublin.

Sinclair, B. and Ferguson, K. (2009) Integrating simulated teaching/learning strategies in undergraduate nursing education. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship. 6 (1), (online) pp. 1548-923X, DOI: 10.2202/1548-923X.1676

Wilford, A. and Doyle, T.J. (2006) Integrating simulation training into the nursing curriculum. British Journal of Nursing. 11;15 (17), pp. 926-30.

Compiled by: Sharon Tuohy and Ann Everitt - Reynolds

Review date: June 2018.