WellStar Health opens patient simulation center

WellStar Health System has opened an Advanced Patient Simulation Center, believed to be a first for a nonacademic health system in Georgia.

The center features several fully functioning patient rooms — including critical care, acute care and labor and delivery — and high-fidelity mannequins.

Simulation training at the center allows clinicians to practice interventions and engage in interactive experiences on mannequins in various health conditions in a safe, real-world environment. The mannequins have lung and heart sounds, pulses and can simulate virtually any type of medical episode, including traumatic injuries, surgery, heart attacks, births and allergic reactions.

“Simulation training has been shown to build competency and confidence in health care providers. Our center will ensure [that] we continue to provide safe, high-quality patient care,” said Helen Slaven, assistant vice president and chief learning officer for WellStar Health System.

EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATION: Georgia Nurses Association CEO Deborah Hackman’s Certified Association Executive credential was recently renewed by the Commission of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

Less than 5 percent of all association professionals achieve this mark of excellence. To earn this credential, candidates must submit an application that satisfies professional experience and education requirements. They must also pass an exam on all aspects of association management.

“I want to thank the GNA Board of Directors for acknowledging the value to GNA, GNF and to our members of succeeding in this endeavor,” Hackman said. “It’s a privilege to receive national recognition and accreditation again from ASAE.”

NETWORK AWARDS: SDI, a leading health care information company, ranked WellStar Health System among the Top 100 Most Highly Integrated Healthcare Networks in the United States. WellStar moved up six places to No. 11. Rankings were announced in the February issue of Modern Healthcare magazine.

SDI’s rating system evaluates each network’s ability to operate as a unified organization in eight categories: integration, integrated technology, contractual capabilities, outpatient utilization, financial stability, services and access, hospital utilization and physicians.

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