Home Grown Solutions Workshop

Abstract : The HomeGrown Initiative, co-sponsored by educators of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) and the National League of Nursing (NLN), is a solution-based site resource readily available to simulation educators, simulationists, and simulation operation specialists to become familiar with self-made items, creative adaptations to existing items and ideas that add to the suspension of disbelief in simulation. Initiated in 2007, Megan Meccariello presented a low-cost solution to an INACSL audience. Since 2008, the partnership between INACSL and NLN has cultivated over 47 simulation solutions to enhance fidelity and keep costs down. Creative and low-cost solutions can enhance realism and learning in the simulation-based learning environment by using essential pantry items, moulage, older manikins, and task trainers. HGS became a viable resource in recognizing that outdated, aging-out manikins and task trainers can be used in various ways beyond the warranty.

This workshop aims to increase awareness, reduce hesitancy to submit ideas, and create a strong network of resources for novice to experienced simulationists and simulation operations specialists. Participants will engage in a hands-on, visual workshop that shares four useful and relevant low-cost simulation ideas. HomeGrown committee members will be on-site during the workshop to provide insight on creating low-cost solutions and steps for participants to submit their ideas to the NLN/INACSL Homegrown Solutions website. The overarching goal is to increase awareness, promote creativity, and build a more robust network of resources.