Figure 3. Working IV set-up for use with manikins
SUPPLIES
• One primary IV set
• One IV start kit with extension tubing
• Two extra transparent film dressings
• Super glue
• Graduated cylinder or urinal
Step 1. Remove drip chamber and check valve from the primary
tubing
Step 2. Slide cut end of IV tubing over end of extension tubing,
applying small amount of glue to prevent leakage
Step 3. Attach to manikin’s arm using IV start kit dressing.
Step 4. Secure IV tubing to backside of arm with extra transparent dressing
Step 5. Place remainder of IV tubing up the arm, under the pillow, and under bed
Step 6. Attach tubing with transparent dressing to container under bed
Extending the Life of Simulators
As the simulation lab coordinator of a large state
university, the discussed sustainable and cost-saving
designs, as well as measures directly related to clini-
cal simulation, have been incorporated into PSU’s
simulation lab. With the need for high-level realism
of nursing practice in clinical simulation, the use of
costly simulators is critical for high-quality nursing
education experiences. To design patient scenarios for
clinical simulation, simulated body fluids and cre-
ation of wounds can lead to excessive wear and rapid
deterioration of the simulator’s internal and external
parts. Therefore, sustainable measures to extend the
life of the simulator are critical in decreasing costs
for nursing programs.
In our lab, a functioning IV system was developed
for use in the clinical simulation lab. It demonstrates
concepts of sustainability and recycling by utiliz-
ing outdated or donated IV tubing to be used as a
simulated vein in the simulator’s arm (see Figure 3).
The expired or outdated supplies are often donated
from local clinics, long-term care facilities, or senior
nursing students no longer in need of their supplies,
thus establishing a pipeline of reuse of clean medical
waste. There are no barriers in accepting these dona-
tions as they are unused inventory. Utilizing these
supplies in our lab prevents facilities from disposing
of them in their waste stream. The use of this IV
system allows for a high level of realism in clinical
simulation, prevents wear of the simulator, and is a
cost-savings to the program. It also protects the en-
vironment from gallons of distilled water and alcohol
otherwise needed to flush the simulators’ internal
systems. The functioning IV system is utilized for
multiple simulations over a semester. Plastic compo-
nents are then recycled.
Conclusion
Simple measures like those discussed in this article
impact the environment on a global level. In addi-
tion to money saved in the nursing program budget,
students are educated through practice and examples
to improve environmental health. Reuse of the IV
system saves both money and wear on manikins.
Additionally, reconstituting solute and solvent vials
through crimpers and decrimpers saved money and
decreased landfill waste. Students can “go green”
with recycling and compost bins. Most recently, the
recycling of medical gloves has drastically reduced
waste by our nursing program.
Population health risks continue to increase. There-
fore, it is critical for students to be informed, envi-
Issue 74, 3 2019 Pennsylvania Nurse 17