New Mobile Simulation Lab To Provide Medical Training To Rural Populations

The West Virginia Junior College (WVJC) School of Nursing at Mon Health has a new 38-foot mobile nursing lab, customized with two simulation hospital rooms and other equipment and supplies needed for practical nursing skill training.

The mobile simulation lab will provide access to nursing education for both currently practicing nurses and future nurses currently in nursing school.

David Goldberg, president and CEO of Mon Health System, said mobile training units help reach nurses and students in rural areas.

“As everyone knows, West Virginia, we’re a rural state,” Goldberg said. “So, making sure that we have tools to be able to train our staff that are all around the state with consistency is important. A lot of our rural communities don’t have access to state-of-the-art simulation equipment. This vehicle will give us the ability to go out to rural communities and reinforce opportunities to the nurses.”

The mobile unit will help with the healthcare worker shortage in the state by offering new and required training, brought to them on wheels. The highly specialized vehicle features a central control room, realistic simulation manikins, video recording and viewing technology.

“Our healthcare system is always in need of skilled nurses throughout the state,” said Chad Callen, CEO of WVJC. “This collaboration will allow our 18-month nursing program to extend the geographic reach of simulation training, especially in rural communities where access may be limited.”

The mobile simulation lab was made possible through donations by Ron and Stephanie Stovash, The Health Plan and the Hazel Ruby McQuain Trust.