Pupils from the Max-Eyth-Schule Schiffdorf practise syringe insertion in the skills lab

How do you insert an infusion or a feeding tube? And what needs to be taken into account during an injection so that the needle doesn't break? If you want to work in a healthcare profession, you should first practise on medical models rather than directly on patients. The Skills Lab at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences makes this possible for prospective school leavers from the vocational secondary school for health and social work at the Max-Eyth-Schule Schiffdorf. Injections and blood sampling were recently on the curriculum. 

There has been a cooperation agreement between the vocational school in Schiffdorf and Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences for many years. As a result, pupils regularly visit the laboratories for practical exercises. Teacher Nadin Zeidler had the idea of extending the cooperation to the healthcare sector. She visited the skills lab of the Physician Assistant programme at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences and was impressed by the equipment. The premises not only contain numerous models, but also, for example, a hospital room and an operating theatre including an airlock to practise sterile dressing. ‘Of course, we don't have such opportunities at school,’ says the teacher. The collaboration with the university enables the students to do practical exercises that would not be possible under other circumstances.

Nadin Zeidler's eight year 12 students visit the skills lab at least once a month. No special workshops are offered for them, but they take part in the regular laboratory courses of the first semester of the degree programme together with the students. Among other things, they learn how to set up an infusion or what they need to bear in mind when patients require a feeding tube. They can practise on various medical models, for example individual body parts or dolls with different bodily functions. ‘The high level of practical relevance is something special compared to other medical degree programmes. Our students apply everything they learn in the seminars directly, instead of just studying it in theory for years,’ said Nicole Schwieger, who works as a scientific and technical assistant on the programme. 

The pupils were able to test what it feels like to insert a syringe into a muscle on their last project day so far. It takes a little force for the needle to penetrate deep enough, but not so much that the tip touches the bone. ‘The periosteum is very sensitive. If the needle pierces it, it's painful for the patient,’ says Nicole Schwieger. It is therefore also important to hit the right spot where the muscle is particularly thick. The lab days at the university are very popular with the students. The fact that they are allowed to work there directly after a short briefing is particularly fun for them and helps them to develop their interest even more. They agree: you learn more through practice.