Equipped for Success: Equipment loans offer hands-on training opportunities across UAB Medicine 

Check out our equipment. 

Equipment loans are one of UAB Clinical Simulation’s most widely used services, wherein UAB Medicine partners can borrow training equipment to facilitate sim. 

“The Clinical Simulation department is able to loan and provide various task trainers and equipment items to partners all over the hospital for training purposes,” explained Ben Whitaker, operations manager with UAB Clinical Simulation. 

And with a wide variety of trainers available, the simulation team works with those partners to find what most effectively meets their needs and objectives. 

For Kelly Wertz, clinical development specialist in the Department of Ambulatory Services, that need routinely involves a pelvis simulator to help learners practice intro-muscular injections. 

“It’s always helpful to have a visual and hands-on experience,” Wertz said. “It raises the learning capacity exponentially; learners are much more engaged.” 

Lynn Jeter, manager of education, professional development and clinical competencies with UAB Callahan Eye, agrees. According to Jeter, UAB Callahan Eye set its gaze on one of Clinical Simulation’s full-body manikins for use in Code Blue simulation training. 

“I’ve requested the use of a full-body manikin about once a year for code emergency exercises,” Jeter said. “We do emergency drills more often, but for our Code Blue simulation … getting to use the full-body manikin provides the most life-like experience for our staff.” 

Jeter also borrowed an arrhythmia simulation device that connects to a defibrillator, “which made our simulation training especially realistic and challenging for our staff,” she said. 

Sharon Mcginester, nursing professional development specialist with the Center for Nursing Excellence, is another repeat “customer” (equipment loans are complimentary for UAB Medicine staff), checking out simulators two to three times per month. 

“I use the equipment every chance I get to teach,” she said. “Staff are able to work with real equipment that they would use at the bedside. They are able to touch and manipulate and feel comfortable with the equipment, supplies and even anatomy while working in a controlled setting.” 

Sarah Shipley, nursing professional development specialist with the UAB Hospital Emergency Department, has checked out a variety of equipment over the years to assist with Emergency Services’ yearly competencies— crash carts, defibrillators, ABG trainers, foley trainers and more.  

“I have also used the equipment loan program throughout the year when we have new processes, procedures or equipment to be able to demonstrate and/or validate staff,” Shipley said. “If there is something that is not available, Clinical Simulation has worked to make it available for us, either through buying or making it.” 

Jeter shared a similar experience. 

“The staff at UAB Clinical Simulation has been very helpful in making sure we had what we needed and also giving us ideas for other training moving forward,” she said. “It is great to have them as a resource.” 

Want to literally check out our equipment? Visit here to get started or email simulation@uabmc.edu for more information.  

UAB Medicine’s Clinical Simulation program offers opportunities for individuals and teams across UAB Medicine and beyond to practice before they deliver care. We encourage all who provide and support patient care to “SimFirst.” Together, we can put our patients’ safety first.