A hallway, a tub room and a closed door: it looks like a care home, and that's because it's meant to feel like one.
Nursing students at the University of New Brunswick's Saint John campus can step into the Long-Term Care Simulation Lab and practise, make mistakes and try again without risk to residents. It prepares them for older adult care across the health system and anchors research to improve day-to-day practice in care homes.
Dr. Rose McCloskey, a professor in the faculty of nursing and health sciences, leads the work.
"The Long-Term Care Simulation Lab helps students understand the importance of research and caring for older adults," said Dr. McCloskey.
"This is a rich area for nurses to gain knowledge, and we continually need to look at what we are doing and find ways to make things better."
Dr. Rose McCloskey, a professor in the faculty of nursing and health sciences and a leader in the work of the Long-Term Care Simulation Lab.
The lab opened in 2021 through a partnership with Loch Lomond Villa, one of New Brunswick's largest long-term care homes. It resembles a real hallway with bedrooms, washrooms and a tub room.
Students learn body mechanics, mobility assistance and dementia care while faculty test approaches in a controlled setting that feels true-to-life.
Sarah Buckley (BN'25) said the sensory tools taught her how dementia can affect perception.
"I wasn't sure what to expect," said Buckley.
"I knew we would be wearing devices to simulate the sensory perception of older adults with dementia, but I didn't realize how well thought-out each sensory tool would be for example, spiked shoe inserts to simulate peripheral neuropathy, headphones as hearing loss and blurry goggles as cataracts."
She said the lab's stress mirrored real life and taught planning, teamwork and clear communication.
Psychology graduate Jennifer Tremblay (BSc'21, MA'24) worked as a research assistant designing simulations that replicate challenging resident behaviours.
"My first tour of the simulation lab was mind-blowing. I could not stop saying, this is so cool!', and I told everyone who would listen about the neat robots' I got to work with," said Tremblay.
Her study staged care with a resident actor who resisted care while the team measured how care aides responded. She saw how empathy and discipline, supported by a multidisciplinary team, keep staff steady.
Dr. McCloskey said many students arrive with a goal to focus on pediatrics or emergency care without seeing how often older adults are present across those areas. Exposure in first-year courses and in the lab broadens interest as they move through the program.
Tremblay sees the great benefit of it too.
"This is the perfect place to practise, make mistakes and try again without the pressure or complications of having consequences on a real human. I am confident that nurses who learn using simulation will be much more prepared and confident for what they will encounter in the real job," said Tremblay.
