Lockheed Martin, whose longtime partnership with UCF represents a shared commitment to education and an improved quality of life in Florida, has recently donated state-of-the-art simulation equipment to be used for student training in UCF’s College of Nursing.
Three high-fidelity mannequins, consumable medical supplies, an IV catheter trainer and other equipment will allow students to practice physical exams, history-taking, diagnostic and communication skills in a safe environment where learning can occur without risk to a patient.
“Simulation saves money, and training saves lives,” said Jon Rambeau, vice president and general manager for Lockheed Martin Training and Logistics Solutions. “We are proud to be a long-standing partner with UCF in advancing training and innovation right here in Central Florida.”
Now an integral part of nursing education, simulation has proven a very effective tool. A recent study from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing found that high-quality simulation can be substituted for as much as 50 percent of traditional clinical experiences in undergraduate nursing programs with no difference in readiness for clinical practice. Moreover simulation allows instructors to stage a wider variety of scenarios than students are likely to see during their clinical rotations.
“This is an incredibly generous gift,” said Mary Lou Sole, interim dean of the College of Nursing. “On average, one high-fidelity simulator can cost between $70,000 and $90,000—depending on its functionality. Thanks to Lockheed Martin’s donation, we received three simulators to put into immediate use.”
Lockheed Martin’s partnership with UCF began in 1992, with the establishment of the Lockheed Martin/University of Central Florida Academy for Mathematics and Sciences. The Academy supports two innovative master’s degree programs dedicated to improving math and science education. Other key areas of Lockheed support to UCF include the Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting, the College of Optics and Photonics, Robotics Regional Competitions and the Veterans History Project, among others.