Nursing Laboratory

The labs are staffed at all times by either lab staff or module instructors. The instructors are there to assist you on a one-to-one basis, as needed, as you work through the programs, skills and procedures.

Amy Swanson, Nursing Simulation and Lab Coordinator
B.S.N., Illinois Wesleyan University
M.S.,Northern Illinois University
Office: X252
Phone: 847.925.6538
aswanson@harpercollege.edu

1. Lab Hours: Hours the lab will be open for use will be posted in the lab and explained to you in your modules. Lab hours are continually evaluated; if any changes are necessary, you will be notified. From experience, we know that the beginning of the week is prime usage time compared to the end of the week. If you plan your work accordingly, you may find better utilization of your study time.
2. Sign In: A sign in book is located by the entrance to X-228D. Students must sign in and out of the book indicating time and areas of practice. The lab staff or peer tutors may co-sign the entries.
3. Accidents: If you are accidentally stuck with a non-sterile needle or your skin comes in contact with contaminated material, you must go immediately to the Health and Psychological Services Office in Building A, Room A362 for evaluation.
4. Allergies: If a latex or iodine allergy exists or is suspected, please notify your clinical instructor and the lab personnel.
5. Earphones: When using computers in Building X, Room X254 and Building Y, Room Y203, earphones must be used for listening. Purchase the appropriate set in the bookstore—the cord is slightly longer than traditional headsets.
6. Inefficient Equipment: All damaged and/or malfunctioning equipment or manikin must be reported immediately to the lab staff or faculty.
7. Lockers: Nursing students will be assigned a locker during the first three semesters of the program. Coats and extra books are to be placed in the lockers. Coats and books are not to be draped over chairs, tables or beds in the lab. Please refer to the Student Handbook of Policies and Procedures regarding the general use Statement.
8. Food and Drink: Eating and drinking are not permitted in the labs.
9. Visitors: Due to safety concerns, children and visitors are not permitted in the labs.
10. Lab Etiquette : After practicing skills, straighten unit/area so it is ready for the next student:
• 
Chairs should be replaced under the tables when leaving the area.
• 
Pick up any waste materials observed on the floor and place in trash containers.
• 
Wipe up all spills on floors.

• Keep beds in appropriate position with linens straightened before leaving and side rails in upright position.

• Replace manikins neatly in the bed.
• Turn off all over bed lights, suction and oxygen.
11. Evaluation: After you have completed a program and practiced the skills/procedures involved, the faculty will check you in skill performance. If you are inadequately prepared, the faculty will advise you of further independent study/practice. Lab staff members are available for assistance as needed during independent study/practice. Skill performance will be evaluated by faculty.
12. Announcements: Bulletin board space is provided for general announcements and specific module announcements. It is the student's responsibility to read the bulletin boards whenever they come into the lab. Keeping up to date with items posted is your responsibility.

1. Participate in an orientation to the lab.
2. No eating or drinking in the lab. When taking a break outside the lab, use a waste container provided.
3. No smoking is allowed in the lab or the Health Careers Building.
4. Chairs should be replaced under the tables when leaving the area.
5. Pick up any waste materials observed on the floor and place in trash containers.
6. Return media to proper stor-age area or to lab personnel after viewing.
7. All simulated practice needles are to be covered with needle sheath.  Needles and syringes are not to be discarded in trash containers.
8. If you are accidentally stuck with a non-sterile needle or your skin comes in contact with contaminated material, you must go immediately to the Health and Psychological Services Office in Building A, Room A362 for treatment.
9. Return equipment to designated location; example - needle and syringes to syringe box in designated areas.  Syringe boxes, syringes and needles must remain in Nursing Lab.
10. Wipe up all spills on floors.
11. Keep beds in appropriate position with linens straightened before leaving.
12. Replace manikins neatly in the bed.
13. Report any incidents or malfunctions to the lab staff.
14. Identify all textbooks and personal items with your name.
15. Keep purses with you or lock then in your locker. Do not leave these items on the coat rack or in the classroom.
16. Special rules will be shared regarding Simulated Learning Resources, their use and their security.
17. If a latex or betadine allergy exists or is suspected, please notify your clinical instructor and the lab personnel.