Low-cost thoracentesis simulation for nurse practitioner students.

ABSTRACT

The fast-paced hospital setting is not routinely a conducive environment for practicing procedural skills. Simulation learning can provide an opportunity for learners to achieve accuracy, confidence, and competence when performing the thoracentesis procedure. The cost associated with many commercial-brand manikins and the additional supplies needed to teach thoracentesis is expensive. However, thoracentesis is a skill many nurse practitioners (NPs) need to learn. The use of a whole, unstuffed turkey purchased at a supermarket to simulate a thoracentesis is a way in which NP students can safely practice this skill. Nurse practitioner students perform assessment skills on another student, whereas students perform the thoracentesis procedure on this turkey carcass. Nurse educators can teach NP students to safely, accurately, and efficiently perform a thoracentesis procedure using a low-cost simulator. Nurse educators can teach NP students how to perform a thoracentesis using a turkey carcass at a relatively low cost with a high yield.