As a university hospital, teaching is at the core of Sainte-Justine’s mission. For nearly a decade, Desjardins Group has supported this priority by funding scholarships that help nursing staff hone their skills and share new knowledge with their colleagues. This year, nurse Hélène Plumard was among the recipients.
Hélène understands the critical role of ongoing education in the ever-evolving field of health care. That’s why, in addition to her full-time work, she is pursuing a tailored master’s degree in health sciences education.
My goal is not only to further my education, but also to share my knowledge with other professionals.
Her new role as a simulation instructor aligns perfectly with her goals, and she’s taking a course that equips her with the necessary tools for this position.
What is simulation training?
Simulation-based training enables health care professionals to practise their skills in scenarios that mimic real-life situations they might face. “Some skills can only be honed through hands-on practice,” explains Hélène.
Simulation training enhances patient care quality and can also be a valuable learning tool for patients. For instance, recent virtual simulations of caesarean births have been created to better prepare expectant parents and help alleviate their anxieties.
An exemplary training program at CHU Sainte-Justine
With her new skills, Hélène is setting up an interdisciplinary simulation committee in the operating room. The Mother and Child Simulation Centre at CHU Sainte-Justine is already a vital training resource; this new committee will focus on on-site scenarios, directly within the working environment.
The committee began its work in mid-June and plans to run its first simulations in the fall, focusing on emergency cases in the operating room and enhancing team communication and collaboration.
The benefits of Hélène’s training grow beyond her individual practice, reflecting the impact of each of the 34 nurses who received a Desjardins Group scholarship.