Guidelines for Nursing Students in Open Lab

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Healthcare Pathway: Nursing

Guidelines for Nursing Students in Open Lab

It is expected that all students will follow the below instructions. 

1. Lab Preparation and Maintenance

• Set-Up: Ensure all equipment and supplies are reorganized, stocked and cleaned after each use.  

• Cleanliness: Maintain a clean and organized environment. Follow protocols for disinfecting surfaces and equipment between uses.

• Student Bags and Supplies: If you are in NRSAD 102, 112 or NRSPN 302 please use the equipment in your course supply bag. Your bag is located in the open lab space. If you are not in a skills course please ask the open lab faculty or ed assistant for supplies. All supplies are reused as needed. Please help us reduce costs by reusing, and repackaging as needed. 

2. Instruction and Facilitation

• Demonstrations: It is an expectation that ALL students practicing in the open skills lab have reviewed the skills content, videos, and checklists prior to arriving.

• Bring your resources (i.e. textbook) and equipment (stethoscope, watch, pen, notepaper)

• Task Trainers and Equipment: Ask for assistance on use of task trainers or equipment as needed.

• Guidance: Faculty and Ed Assistants are there to reinforce what was already taught in the classroom. They will not reteach or teach any skill.  Students should NOT be practicing any skill they were not taught in the classroom. 

3. Safety Protocols

• Emergency Procedures: Be familiar with emergency procedures, including fire drills, first aid, and the location of emergency exits and equipment. 

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure you understand and use appropriate PPE, such as gloves and masks, when necessary.

• Accident Reporting: Report any accidents or safety incidents to the faculty or staff in the open lab. 

• Children or other non-nursing students: No children or other non-nursing students are allowed in the open lab space at any time. Please utilize the Little Stormers Village free drop in childcare located in M 172 when Downtown. 

• Leave outerwear, valuables, backpacks in your locker

• Students are not permitted to eat or drink at the skills stations. 

5. Professional Conduct

• Modeling Behavior: Demonstrate professional behavior and communication. Treat all students, ed assistants and faculty with respect and fairness. 

• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality of student performance and personal information.

• Continuous Improvement: Stay current with best practices in nursing education and skills training. Participate in professional development opportunities.

6. Documentation and Reporting

• Record Keeping:  Sign in and sign out each visit using the QR code to get credit for your attendance. If  you do not have access to scan please alert the faculty or ed assistant to manually sign you in and out. 

• HIPAA: If working on a practice chart, continue to practice HIPAA compliance for patient documentation. 

7. Collaboration and Communication

• Teamwork: Work collaboratively with faculty, ed assistants, and other students to ensure a cohesive learning environment. There are limited task trainers so please share equipment and supplies as needed. 

• Communication: Keep open lines of communication with students and staff. Address any issues or concerns promptly.

By adhering to these instructions and expectations, students can create a productive and supportive learning environment in the nursing skills lab.

Please give any and all feedback and suggestions for improvement of the open skills lab during the sign out process. 

Thank you for your cooperation.