Cutting edge technology boosts nursing students’ learning

Imagine being able to see inside a patient, exploring how different conditions affect the human body and how to fix such ailments, all with the peace of mind that the patient is completely safe at all times.

With the use of virtual reality software, this kind of interactive learning is a reality for nursing students at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT).

Students use the HoloLens Immersive virtual reality learning programme during class.

With Microsoft HoloLens, students are using the latest technology which allows them to access and interact with virtual patients in a more natural way. Students are able to visualise internal anatomy using HoloLens headsets with Pearson HoloApps software. This creates a virtual reality experience through a 360-degree video, enabling students to “see” inside their patients.

SIT health and humanities faculty head Maree Howden said the “phenomenal” piece of technology immersive virtual reality learning, such as HoloLens, was transforming health care education.

“If this had been around when I was a student 40 years ago, anatomy would have been my favourite subject – it’s so immersive,” she said.

Students use HoloLens to discover the anatomy of the leg.

Nursing is a career that makes a tangible difference to people’s lives and working in the healthcare sector is one of the most rewarding career choices available to those thinking about further education after high school, and beyond.

With the support and guidance of the experienced team at SIT, students can develop the skills required to become part of an industry that allows them to work with people from all walks of life.

Even if students are unsure of where to begin their journey, SIT has a range of qualifications from Pre-entry Level 3 and Level 4 certificates, through to Master’s Degrees, providing students with a sample of what working in the health sector could look like.

SIT students apply both real life and theory-based study in their learning.

For all of these courses, SIT covers the full tuition fees for New Zealand citizens and residents under their unique Zero Fees scheme, meaning there is no need for a large student loan.

Working in the healthcare sector is fast paced with plenty of variety, and also nurtures a passion to help others in an industry that provides access to a wide variety of entry-level roles and opportunities for experienced professionals.

SIT offers a New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing and a Bachelor of Nursing. The Enrolled Nursing programme is an 18-month course that allows graduates to work in a variety of health care settings under the direction and guidance of a Registered Nurse.

Enrolled Nursing programme graduate Cindy Fowler successfully gained a place in the new graduate programme at the Southern District Health Board, after she completed the programme in the Assessment, Treatment & Rehabilitation Services ward.