Juno Provides Exceptional Learning Experiences to Nursing Students

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing recently welcomed Juno, a new member to the College that provides numerous learning experiences to undergraduate and nurse practitioner students in the classroom as they prepare for careers in the field.

Since the low fidelity simulator arrived a few weeks ago, it has significantly enhanced training for undergraduate and nurse practitioner students. It allows students to practice various skills, including IV insertion, tracheal and nasogastric suctioning, and wound care, among others.

While most simulators are small-scale replicas of particular parts of the body, Juno gives students the opportunity to train on a life-size model.

“There was an immediate demand to use Juno when it arrived at the beginning of the semester,” said Dr. Megan Lippe, UA assistant professor and simulation specialist in the Capstone College of Nursing. “This simulator is especially helpful to our students in the second semester of nursing courses, when they are learning several clinical skills.”

The Capstone College of Nursing will capitalize on an upcoming University-wide crowdfunding event to help raise money for the purchase of a second Juno to meet the needs of nursing students. The College hopes to raise more than $14,000 during Bama Blitz, an inspiring online fundraising event for alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends to come together and support The University of Alabama.

Beginning at noon April 11 and ending at 8:31 p.m. April 12, Bama Blitz will celebrate UA’s founding year, 1831, with one day, eight hours and 31 minutes of giving.

“We admit around 120 students into each cohort in our undergraduate program and, with just one Juno, we are limited in the amount of hands-on experiences we can provide,” said Lippe. “A second Juno would allow more students to have more time learning the skills needed to be successful in the field.”

Juno includes pre-programmed sounds and speech responses to help heighten the reality as students practice. To date, Juno has been used to practice nasogastric tube and foley insertions, as well as wound and ostomy care skills.

A benefit for faculty is the ability to move Juno. While the College’s other life-size simulator weighs around 300 pounds, Juno weighs 100 pounds and can more easily be transported.

“Our faculty love taking Juno into the classroom for demonstrations,” said Lippe. “It allows them to be more interactive and creative with their lectures.”

Those wishing to support the College’s efforts can make a gift online at Bama Blitz’s website April 11-12.