Technology Learning Complex
Message from the Director
Welcome to the Technology Learning Complex (TLC). In keeping with the College of Nursing’s mission statement to “enhance the art and science of nursing through excellence in education,” our faculty and staff are committed to incorporating advanced technologies and evidence-based practice in a state-of-the-art learning environment. The staff of the TLC is committed to providing an experiential learning environment that helps to build confidence and foster strong decision-making skills in students. By maintaining high standards of quality clinical education, we are helping future nurses to prepare to meet the challenges and demands of global healthcare environments.
Simulation
The Technology Learning Complex (TLC) conducts hundreds of clinical simulations for nursing students each year, utilizing high-fidelity, computer-controlled patient simulators, as well as standardized patient actors. The use of simulation in nursing education provides opportunities for students to practice challenging patient care scenarios in a controlled learning environment. Human patient simulators offer students the opportunity to perform nursing assessments and employ critical thinking skills on patients with a variety of conditions such as respiratory failure, cardiac events and postpartum hemorrhage. Other simulation scenarios, such as alcohol withdrawal, employ trained actors to create maximum patient interaction with students.
In addition, students have the opportunity to learn nursing skills using other realistic technology. Students interact with simulated patients through the use of an educational version of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system utilized at the medical center. State-of-the-art telehealth technology has also been incorporated into nursing simulations through the Technology Learning Complex.
The Technology Learning Complex is also a leader in interprofessional education, conducting interprofessional simulations for hundreds of students each year from several health science programs on campus. Students from nursing, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, medical dietetics, medicine, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, social work and speech pathology, all participate together in a unique and robust clinical simulation focused on improving interprofessional collaborative care, communication and teamwork competencies. Research in this area is ongoing and shows positive student outcomes in meeting these interprofessional core competencies. Dissemination of findings have been presented at local, national and international professional meetings.
Facilities
The Ohio State University College of Nursing’s Technology Learning Complex is a state-of-the-science facility that combines specialty laboratory features with virtual reality capability. Each room is equipped for a dedicated focus (e.g., pediatric and neonatal care, intensive care), but is flexible enough to be used in a variety of ways.
