Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Innovation and Learning Laboratory

The completely renovated Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Innovation and Learning Laboratory at the Iona M. Pettengill Nursing Resource Center has been exhaustively renovated and reconfigured with technology-enriched space, which includes high-fidelity and virtual reality clinical simulation, debriefing technology and practical skills labs. The new lab creates a space that prepares nursing students and provides opportunities to learn skills, take risks and make mistakes all in a safe environment.

About

University of Florida College of Nursing students and faculty can now hone their skills using the latest technology in patient safety and learning assessment following an extensive overhaul of teaching space at the college to build a leading-edge simulation and learning center.

High-fidelity simulation provides a lifelike learning experience in a safe environment, minimizing risks to patients and students. As the demand for clinical experience continues to grow, the role of simulation in nursing education is increasingly crucial to developing humanistic, skilled, disciplined and authoritative nursing professionals. The Kirbo Innovation and Learning Lab ensures these demands are met at the College of Nursing.

The renovation to create the 5,639-square-foot Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Innovation and Learning Laboratory at the Iona M. Pettengill Nursing Resource Center was opened in January 2021. The Innovation and Learning Lab was made possible through lead gifts from the Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Foundation and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation.

$2.9M FOR RENOVATIONS AND EQUIPMENT

TWO MILES OF CABLING WAS USED TO WIRE THE SIMULATION TECHNOLOGY

5,639 TOTAL SQUARE FEET OF RENOVATED SPACE

7881.5 HOURS SPENT BY NURSING STUDENTS ENGAGED IN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN THE LAB FOR SPRING 2021

LEADING THE NEXT GENERATION OF NURSES

OUR SPACE

The new lab consists of seven simulation rooms that mimic environments students will encounter when they enter the practice field. There are five patient care rooms for fundamental-based simulations. The remaining two rooms are larger procedure rooms for more complex simulations.

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CONTROL ROOM

A central control room houses all of the equipment that provides simulation scenarios, videotaping and other learning tools. The prep room holds all medications and supplies and provides a space for students to practice preparing medications.

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DEBRIEF ROOM

An important component of nursing education is allowing each student to receive timely, relevant feedback on their progress. The Debrief Room provides appropriate space for faculty and students to meet, either one-on-one or in small groups, to reflect on their simulation experiences and clinical performance.

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SKILLS LABS

The skills lab allows ample space for students to practice health assessments and fundamental nursing techniques that are the basis and foundation for them to progress throughout their education. The open space of the room also makes it available for events and informal activities.

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INNOVATION STUDIO

The innovation studio is a multipurpose room for collaboration on interdisciplinary projects that will advance current and future health care environments, improve patient safety through the invention and testing of new products, and create synergy across the research-practice divide.

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Innovation and Learning Laboratory Fund

Would you like to help advance experiential learning at the UF College of Nursing and enable Gator Nurses to reach their greatest potential? The College of Nursing needs continued support for additional technology and equipment to outfit the new state-of-the-art Kirbo Innovation and Learning Laboratory. Or, contact Anna Hoffman at asuggs@ufl.edu or 352-273-6395 to find out about opportunities for sponsorship and support.