Simulation-Skills Laboratory Guidelines

Section 1: Purpose and Mission

The simulation spaces and skills laboratory exists to provide a safe, ethical, evidence-based, and effective learning environment that supports the development of hands-on skills, critical thinking, clinical competency, professional behaviors, and safety for all. All persons utilizing or entering the Simulation spaces and Skills lab are responsible for reviewing and abiding by the guidelines at all times. Guidelines are aligned with the INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice and SSH Core Accreditation Standards.

Section 2: Professional Conduct and Integrity

While in simulation/skills lab spaces and during any related activities, all participants are expected to consistently demonstrate professional conduct, mutual respect, accountability, commitment to learning, and ethical behavior consistent with nursing and institutional codes of Student Code of Conduct.

• Simulation activities are confidential; learners must not share scenario details or peer performance outside the learning environment.
• Unauthorized photography or recording by any participant or instructor is strictly prohibited in Simulation/Skills Lab. Anyone requiring photographs or use of any recordings for any purposes (e.g. academic scholarship) must ensure that both permission of primary faculty and consent are acquired prior.
• Food and beverages are prohibited in all simulation spaces.
• Dress code for all simulation spaces will include scrubs, business casual attire, or appropriate lab attire.
• Incivility, bullying, and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will be addressed immediately per institutional policy.
• Treat all manikins, task trainers, and standardized patients with the same respect as real patients.
• Report damage or malfunction to staff immediately. Do not tamper with or attempt to repair equipment.
• The Simulation/Skills Lab cannot be held responsible for any personal items.
• The computers located in Simulation Rooms and Skills Lab area are not for personal use.
  

Section 3: Safety

3.1 General Safety

• Emergency exits and first aid supplies must remain unobstructed at all times.
• All medications and equipment within the simulation/skills labs are simulation-only materials and should never be used for clinical purposes. However, it should be treated with the same safety precautions as would be employed with actual clinical medications/equipment.
• Under no circumstances may equipment or supplies be taken from the lab/simulation spaces without specific approval.
• All OSHA regulations must be followed at all times.
• Report any injury, equipment damage, or safety concern to staff immediately.
• Any injuries will be handled in accordance with the School of Nursing Policies on Health Incidents and OSHA guidelines, with associated Health Incident Report form completed within 24 hours. Refer to Policy 302 - Health Incidents.
• In the event of a medical emergency, follow university Emergency Management Guidelines.

3.2 Sharps and Infection Control

• When indicated, participants should follow universal precautions against infectious disease, including hand hygiene, while participating in clinical activities, including simulation.
• Sharps may never leave the lab or simulation.
• Simulated and actual sharps must be disposed of in designated sharps containers immediately after use.
  
• Single-use items are not to be reused.
  
• Allergies or sensitivities to simulation materials must be disclosed to the facilitating Faculty/Staff before participation.
  

3.3 Psychological Safety

• All learners in simulation experiences have the right to psychological safety, privacy and confidentiality, constructive evaluation, and a safe learning environment. Learners are encouraged to discuss related needs or concerns with their faculty.
  
• Facilitators should ensure clear expectations are set during prebriefing.
  

Section 4: Operations and Access

• Attendance will be monitored for scheduled lab and simulation instructional activities.
  
• Students may not enter the laboratory without an authorized faculty member or staff member present. Independent skills practice requires advance scheduling.
  
• Faculty must reserve simulation and lab spaces via the SON Simulation Information Management System and coordinate setup needs/requests with simulation staff in advance of any scheduled session.
  
• Only trained faculty, staff, or approved student workers may operate simulation technology independently.
  
• External visitors must be escorted at all times and may not operate any equipment.

Section 5: Equipment Maintenance and Inventory

• All simulation equipment must be used only for its intended educational purpose.
  
• Unauthorized removal or alteration of equipment is prohibited.
  
• A comprehensive inventory of equipment and supplies is maintained and updated continuously by the Skills and Sim Lab Coordinator.
  
• Necessary cleaning and maintenance should be performed after each use. Equipment must be cleaned according to manufacturer guidelines and infection control standards after each use.
  
• Preventive maintenance schedules should be established and maintained for all simulation equipment. Maintenance is performed by qualified simulation operations staff or authorized vendors.
  
• Supplies and equipment are stored in a manner that prevents damage, contamination, or loss.
  
• Malfunctions or damage must be reported immediately to faculty or staff. Do not tamper with or attempt to repair equipment. Faulty equipment is labeled and removed from service until repaired.
  
• Faculty and students must notify staff when consumable supplies are depleted during a session.
  
• Food grade products, including animal by-products, may not be used in the lab.
  
• Due to the complex requirements associated with the handling and management of biologic specimens and tissue, use is prohibited in the skills lab and simulation area. Refer to University Biosafety Guidelines.

Section 6: Guideline Violations

Violations may result in verbal counseling, removal from simulation activities, a clinical grade penalty, and/or referrals to appropriate institutional authorities per the University of Pittsburgh Student Code of Conduct.