Larsen’s computer programming prepares nursing students for the workplace
There used to be a wide disconnect between student nurses’ clinical experiences in hospitals – where they use electronic documentation – and the Simulation Center. Thanks to School of Nursing Clinical Instructor Christine Larsen, new technology is helping nursing education mirror the workplace.
Medication administration records – or MARs, as they’re referred to by nurses – are the charted medications given to patients. They record details such as the medication name, dosage, date and time. These days, most healthcare facilities use electronic versions (eMAR, for short) that are included in their electronic health record system, such as the EPIC program the Simulation Center implemented in 2023.
With a background in computer programming, Larsen offered to design an eMAR for students to use in simulations and skills labs. Larsen’s program – called NURSETEC – is separate from the Center’s sandbox version of EPIC; however, the two programs work in tandem to offer students a simulated workplace environment.
How does it work?
When students log into Larsen’s web-based eMAR,