Freeman Begins Simulation-based Orientation for New Employees

Joplin, Mo. – Freeman Health System is implementing biweekly simulation-based orientation for new employees, including registered nurses, nurse technicians and unit secretaries. Located at Freeman Hospital East, the new simulation learning lab provides opportunities for hands-on experience in a re-created hospital room. Although orientation goals in the simulation learning lab are individualized, critical thinking, technical skills and interpersonal relationships between staff and patients are emphasized.

“The simulation-based orientation is the first of its kind in the area,” said Kami Gollhofer, Freeman Director of Professional Development. “Our highly qualified staff bring an academic learning environment into the hospital setting. It’s a really dynamic opportunity for new and experienced nurses alike.”

New staff will complete several scenarios utilizing various hospital equipment including Pyxis MedStation™, an automated medication dispensing system, and bedside documentation. Robotic mannequins are used for patient simulation. During scenarios, employees are recorded on video, and recordings are utilized during simulation debriefings and in reviewing individual performance evaluations.

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2017, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report ranked Freeman one of the top Hospitals in Southwest Missouri more than five years in a row, and the Leapfrog Group awarded Freeman the highest grade possible in the Spring 2017 Hospital Patient Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 60 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com, facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman at twitter.com/FreemanCares4U. Follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo.