The Clinical Simulation Learning Center is located in Room 361 in the Nursing-Family/Consumer (SNF) building on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. Simulation is a new teaching methodology to be utilized by schools of nursing and SDSU is proud to host two Sim Man™ mannequins on the Brookings campus, one Sim Man mannequin at The University Center in Sioux Falls, SD and the other on the SDSU West River Site in Rapid City, SD. Simulators such as Sim Man™ can assist nursing students in the acquisition of skills and provide a place to practice in an environment which is ideal for both independent and group practice.  Faculty members are available to assist students as they progress in mastery of skills. Immediate feedback can be offered to the student in a simulated healthcare environment such as this.

Brookings Health System and Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health System donated the funds to purchase these technologically advanced mannequins.  Practicing nurses as well as other healthcare practitioners from the Brookings Health System have begun to utilize the simulation lab for bi-yearly competency events. Sim Man™ is a product of Laerdal Medical.  Mannequins such as these are able to talk, breathe, and simulate a lifelike human heart beat. Therefore, they are able to provide the student or practitioner with a patient situation such as might be encountered in the hospital setting.  The student can utilize knowledge learned in lecture and apply it immediately in the simulation lab. Another purpose of the simulation laboratory is to serve as an adjunctive practice area to the clinical setting.  Training time in the lab can allow for patient care scenarios similar to those encountered in the hospital setting. Simulation allows the student to rehearse the care of the client in a more controlled and safe environment.