Nursing students of the Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB) took part in a rigorous practical examination at the state-of-the-art Cheryl-Ann Portwood Simulation Center in BUIB, an essential component of their semester assessments. The simulation center, renowned for its advanced medical training facilities, provided an ideal setting for the students to showcase their clinical skills under close supervision.
The practical exams involved standardized patients: trained individuals who acted as real patients, allowing students to conduct hands-on assessments in a controlled environment. Taking turns, the aspiring nurses conducted vital sign checks, meticulously measuring blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, and pulse. Each student was required to interpret their findings and provide a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition, simulating a real hospital scenario.
As the students worked diligently, supervisors and clinical instructors observed from a close distance, evaluating their technique, accuracy, and patient interaction. Every movement, from how the blood pressure cuff was applied to the way patient history was gathered, was closely scrutinized. The supervisors not only assessed technical proficiency but also paid keen attention to communication skills, ensuring that students provided clear explanations and reassurance to their patients.
For many, the experience was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. A couple of first-year nursing students shared her thoughts after their session affirming that it felt like being in an actual hospital setting. The standardized patients responded just like real patients, which made the experience very immersive. Nervous at first, but stayed professional and focused on the skills.
About the importance of such simulations in nursing education, “Practical assessments like these are crucial because they bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practical application. The Cheryl-Ann Portwood Simulation Center provides an environment where students can make mistakes and learn from them before they go into clinical practice.” Mme Palle Elizabeth, one of the lead assessors and director of the Simulation center emphasized.
The practical exams not only tested the students’ ability to measure vital signs but also assessed their critical thinking, decision-making, and professional demeanor. Those who excelled demonstrated confidence, accuracy, and an ability to connect with their patients’ which are key attributes of competent nurses.
At the end of each session, grading was done for all students, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement. With the practical exams session successfully completed, the nursing students would leave the simulation center better prepared for their future roles in healthcare, knowing that every skill practiced brought them a step closer to becoming competent and compassionate professionals.