WNC News & Notes

Nursing program receives 'special delivery' air mail

Nursing students at Western Nevada College now have access to a higher level of realism when learning to treat patients with the addition of two high tech manikins that can simulate symptoms and even "interact" with students through a microphone.

The manikins, valued at more than $42,000, are a gift from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the Nevada State College schools of nursing. The project was coordinated by the Health Sciences System of the Nevada System of Higher Education. The equipment became available once students from UNLV and NSC, as well as the University of Nevada School of Medicine, began training together at the new Clinical Simulation Center of Las Vegas.

The manikins include a pregnant female (complete with a well-developed fetus) that can simulate giving birth, and a male. They will be utilized in nursing laboratory situations, along with the college's other simulation manikins - two with interchangeable body parts, one simulation baby, and four simulators that emulate vital signs.

"Having appropriate technology is extremely important to help our students develop critical thinking skills," said Dr. Judith Cordia, WNC Division Chair of Nursing and Allied Health. "It allows our students to better understand and carry out the safe care of patients. On behalf of the WNC community, I would like to thank UNLV and NSC for this generous gift. I would also like to thank the Health Sciences System for coordinating the effort to use the resources among our state's higher education institutions."

Cordia said the high-tech manikins offer students a learning experience that is close to treating live patients. From a nearby control room, a lab instructor can speak into a microphone that is heard from the mouth of the manikin and describes symptoms such as pain or shortness of breath. The simulators can go into shock, suffer a heart attack, or choke from an obstructed airway.

Weekend classes on tap for K-12 educators

Western Nevada College is offering Challenging Gifted Students K-12 (EPD 235B C01, Call # 33444, .5 units), 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. The class provides teachers with successful strategies to keep gifted students engaged in the classroom. Sample lesson plans and critical thinking activities will be explored. Cost is $37.38.

Personality Types and Learning Styles (EPD 250B, Call #37451, 1 unit) covers an overview of personality types and the implications of learning and teaching styles. Class meets from 4-10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19 and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20. Cost is $74.75.

Diversity Strategies in the Classroom (EPD 236B, Call #37402, .5 units) meets from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 and assists teachers in the development of strategies to reach students with varying levels of development, skill sets and language abilities. Cost is $37.38.

For information, 445-3000, or visit www.wnc.edu to register.

Latino Student Club hosts talent show on Saturday

The WNC Latino Student Club presents a night of talent for the entire family. The third annual talent show will be from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Capital Christian Center, 1600 Snyder Ave., Carson City. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for any student with school ID card, and $3 for youth and senior citizens. Children younger than 5 are admitted free. Proceeds will benefit WNC scholarships. Interested acts may contact Lupe Ramirez, 445-3344.