Many nursing student programs rely heavily on donations from nearby hospitals, nursing homes and medical supply stores. With certain supplies, it's simply necessary to have the "real thing." For instance, nursing students can practice how to properly don surgical gloves, which are in a sealed, sterile package. Hospitals keep large amounts of these gloves in all sizes. When they expire and are no longer usable in the surgical suite, hospitals donate them to nursing schools to practice with.
Many supplies can be re-used several times, as long as they are not used on a person. The best way to receive donated supplies is for the program administrator to get the word out to all area facilities that they are in need of supplies by placing calls, writing letters and asking in person. It helps if the school has a good rapport with the facility (if they have done clinical hours in the facility or have volunteered there), and if there is someone available at the school that can pick up the supplies when they are available.
Some supplies are so expensive that a school cannot afford to purchase them. Machines and simulation manikins usually fall into this category. Many times, schools can borrow or rent these items from another school nearby. Schools can share the cost by sharing the equipment and transporting it back and forth. Also, a school can rent some medical equipment from medical supply companies.
Simulation manikins are excellent teaching tools for nurses, but can often cost more than $10,000. Sharing the cost with a nearby school, or renting it from a school that owns one may be a good short-term solution for a school in need of this important training tool.
Sometimes, schools have no choice but to purchase some supplies. There are many companies that provide quality teaching supplies to nursing schools, such as Pocket Nurse, which offers large simulation supplies, such as the Demo Dose Med Dispense Medication Dispensing System, and infant, child and adult training manikins. Pocket Nurse also carries smaller items, such as glass vials used to simulate medication administration.
When nothing but the real thing will do, medical supply stores are the school's best bet. For instance, many students practice starting IVs on other students and willing participants. For this activity, they can use only new, sterile supplies. These companies may provide discounts for supplies bought in bulk or for schools.
Some supplies needn't be brand new or donated, but handmade. Students can use an old piece of cloth cut into squares to simulate a 4x4 dressing. They can also use a child's doll to learn how to swaddle an infant or give a bath. And they can utilize glass bottles fitted with a rubber stopper and filled with water to simulate IVs or enemas.
If a teacher or student is skilled in sewing, they can make gowns and chair pads, or large, absorbent pads used for covering large wounds.
One valuable teaching tool is the instructional video. If a student or teacher owns a video camera, nursing students can "star" in the the video and show future students how to complete a particular nursing task. This saves the school about $100 per video.