Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) students gained hands-on experience responding to opioid overdoses during a recent simulation at UF College of Nursing, building the knowledge and confidence needed to act quickly in an emergency.
As part of their Care Lead Inspire Cohort Competency (CLIC) 5 education, students participated in an opioid overdose response simulation led by College of Nursing faculty members Michelle Plourde, Kailey Coventry and Reathea Felder. The training taught students how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, assess whether a scene is safe and administer naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Students also learned about the differences between opioids, when naloxone should be used and the steps to take while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. After reviewing the material, they practiced administering the medication to a mannequin, giving them the opportunity to apply their skills in a realistic setting.
For ABSN student Kayla Verra, the simulation connected classroom learning to a growing public health need.
“Opioid overdose has been a problem for a while, and it’s been increasing in our community,” Verra said. “Learning how to use naloxone, when to use it and how to obtain access to it is really important. It’s used in hospitals and among paramedics all the time, so it was really nice to get this hands-on demonstration and learn how to actually use it.”
The hands-on experience also gave students confidence to respond if they encounter an overdose in the future, whether in a hospital, clinic or community setting.
“I never administered naloxone before, so it was very helpful,” said ABSN student Colby Bottger. “I think confidence is honestly the biggest factor in helping in that situation. If I saw someone experiencing an opioid overdose and I didn’t know how to administer naloxone, I could miss out on saving a life. It’s really good that we had the opportunity to practice.”
The simulation was conducted in collaboration with HealthStreet, a University of Florida community engagement program that connects residents with health care, social services, education and research opportunities, and BOAT@UF, its Bystander Overdose Action Team initiative, which trains community members to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses.The collaboration reinforces the College of Nursing’s commitment to preparing future nurses with the knowledge, clinical judgment and hands-on skills to care for patients in any setting. Through experiences like this, ABSN students are better prepared to respond with confidence when every second counts.
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