By Sophia Medina
As I approach my senior year at the University of Scranton, I reflect on the past three years and how they’ve shaped me into the future nurse I am becoming. This journey has been nothing short of transformative. Through a blend of classroom learning, simulation labs, and digital resources, especially Elsevier’s Sherpath Vantage. I’ve not only gained knowledge, but developed the confidence and clinical judgment needed for real-world nursing practice.
Hands-On Simulation Labs: Safe Practice, Real Learning
Our simulation labs have been the cornerstone of my clinical preparation. They offer a safe, realistic environment where students like me can learn from experience in a risk-free environment for patient safety. Each lab scenario mimicked potential clinical situations we could face, from respiratory distress to mental health crises. These labs weren’t just about performing skills; they were about thinking critically, communicating effectively, and maintaining composure in high stress situations.
I remember a simulation where we were presented with a patient who began describing unusual sensations in her chest, raising concerns about a possible cardiac issue. As a team, we quickly assessed the patient and this situation, discovering that there was an incorrect IV bag connected which could have worsened her state. We acted promptly to discontinue the inappropriate infusion, ensured she was placed on proper cardiac monitoring, and notified the provider. Throughout this scenario, our instructors observed as we collaborated and made clinical decisions in real time. During the debriefing, we discussed the importance of recognizing early warning signs and verifying medication safety. This experience helped me grow in clinical awareness and teamwork. Throughout all these simulations, the hospital no longer feels like an intimidating place, but an environment where my learning had been translated into action.
Next-Gen Nursing Education: How Sherpath Vantage Transformed My Learning
Another key player in my development has been Elsevier’s Sherpath Vantage platform. During my junior year, I used Sherpath extensively while taking Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. Instead of feeling lost in a sea of textbook pages and lecture slides, Sherpath offered an interactive, streamlined experience that made learning both efficient and engaging.
Here are a few components of Sherpath Vantage that truly stood out:
– Shadow Health Assignments gave me the opportunity to practice therapeutic communication and clinical interviewing with virtual patients. This helped me build empathy and refine my mental health nursing approach
– Interactive lessons & eBook readings made dense content more digestible by breaking them down into manageable sections, including visual aids and reinforcing key points
– Osmosis videos offered clear, visual explanations of complex topics, enhancing my comprehension and solidifying content from the classroom lecture
– Adaptive Quizzing using NCLEX – styled questions and immediate feedback, I was able to identify my weak areas and tailor my study plan to strengthen my understanding effectively
– NEW Sherpath AI Chat your new 24/7 study partner! This feature had quickly become a fan favorite among professors and students. Not only did it offer reliable guidance on mental health nursing diagnoses and care plans, but it could generate practice questions for upcoming exams based on the information that you provide it, saving nursing students to sift through countless lecture notes
Final Thoughts
Nursing school is challenging—but also incredibly rewarding. As someone who once faced moments of self-doubt, I can honestly say that tools like Elsevier’s Sherpath Vantage and meaningful simulation experiences have been game-changers for me. They’ve equipped me not just with skills, but with the assurance that I’m capable of handling the responsibility of patient care.
Now, as I prepare for my senior year and set my sights on becoming an intensive care nurse, I carry with me all the knowledge, experience, and confidence these resources helped build. To any nursing or health professions student reading this: take full advantage of the learning aids available to you. Immerse yourself in your simulation labs and explore online learning tools such as Sherpath! You’ll be amazed at the growth in yourself!