CHARITY EVENTS
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Treasure Coast Medical Report
SIMULATORS STRENGTHEN SKILLS
An innovative project that was funded by the Mum Ball
committee in 2015 was the brainchild of Brenda Byk. Her idea
was to start up a simulation center, a learning place where new
medical associates could hone a wide range of clinical skills on
lifelike simulation mannequins. The training would allow them
to get hands-on experience before they would tend to a patient.
“I was lucky enough to be selected that year,” she says.
“There was an idea in place and the committee made that
happen. We’ve been very fortunate.”
Nurses and patient care technicians who are newly employed
at the hospital are required to train at the simulation center.
“They come through orientation here, which they spend
time in the classroom with the lecture portion,” says Byk.
“Then they do task training, so the simple tasks and specific
skills get practiced in the task lab. After they’ve learned it
through the lecture, they’ve demonstrated skills in the task
lab, it then accumulates in simulation.”
In the simulation part of the program, trainees practice a
wide variety of skills on high-fidelity mannequins. They prepare
for basic to more complex emergency-management type
situations. Some may include code blues, stroke, head-to-toe
assessment, airway management, and glycemic control and
medication management.
After they have received sufficient training, they are evaluated
to validate their competency in those skills. First there
is prebriefing, where the instructors explain the medical scenario
to the trainees. Then they act out the scenario on their
own, under the careful observation of experts.
“At the end of the scenario, they perform debriefing, and
the participants and instructors talk about what went well,
what could they improve on, and then how to move forward
after the training in the hospital setting,” Byk explains.
The center also provides instruction for the hospital’s EMTs
and paramedics. The mannequin simulators can be placed
in the back of an ambulance, where personnel can learn and
train in familiar working surroundings.
“We’re providing a place for our caregivers where they can
practice their skills and gain knowledge in an environment
that’s completely safe,” Byk explains. “Here it’s OK to make
mistakes and learn. We get to validate their competency and
we’re ensuring that our patients are safe.”
Looking back on the last 25 years, it’s easy to see the imprint
that the Chrysanthemum Ball has left to improve healthcare
in our community. Funds that have advanced numerous
programs for Cleveland Clinic Martin Health have all been
possible through the compassion, dedication and generosity
of philanthropists. It would be hard to imagine these services
without them. The projects have saved lives and transformed
the quality of medical care that the hospital provides.
The power of philanthropy is alive and well on the Treasure
Coast and now more than ever, the hospital needs its
continued support, says Lord, so it can deliver exceptional
medical care.
“The difference between good healthcare and great healthcare
is, as we move into the future, it’s going to be dependent
on the support of the people who live in the community,”
says Lord. “Community support is critical. These things don’t
happen without philanthropy and the Chrysanthemum Ball
has been critical to that. That is where these incredible residents
come together and support projects in mass, and they
make amazing things happen.”
IT’S OKAY TO GET HELP!
Indian River County residents (children and adults) can
receive a free, immediate mental health screening
at The Mental Health Association in Indian River
County’s Walk-In & Counseling Center. Your
mental health is just as important as your
physical health, so simply come by, no
appointment needed.
www.mhairc.org
A U N I T E D WAY AGENCY OF E XC E L L E N C E .
AN A F F I L I AT E OF MENTA L H E A LT H A M E R I C A.
COMP L E T E FAM I LY E Y E C A R E
Meet the experienced and friendly doctors and staff who make C. R. Lait Optical
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the Treasure Coast. Dr. Shannon Leitenbauer and Dr. Kelly Waddell have 30 years
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wear and contact lenses, as well as, co-managing surgical procedures.
Come visit our family!
Left to Right:
Dr. Shannon Leitenbauer
and Dr. Kelly Waddell
772.465.6616 • 2305 Oleander Blvd., Fort Pierce • www.crlaitoptical.com
/www.mhairc.org
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/www.mhairc.org
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