RWJBarnabas Health has significantly expanded its clinical training capabilities with the opening of a state-of-the-art Operating Room (OR) Simulation Lab at The Institute for Nursing Excellence. Located within the Eisenhower Building in Livingston, the new 4,062-square-foot facility is designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and high-stakes surgical environments.
The lab is a meticulous recreation of a modern surgical suite, outfitted with professional surgical lighting, authentic instrumentation, and advanced patient mannequins. This immersive environment allows nurses to rehearse complex procedures and manage intraoperative emergencies in a risk-free setting.
The expansion adds more than just simulated surgical space; it creates a holistic learning hub for the health system’s nursing workforce. The new facility includes:
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Two Simulated Operating Rooms: Fully equipped for high-fidelity surgical drills.
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Sub-Sterile Training Room: For specialized preparation and hygiene protocols.
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50-Person Classroom: To support regional orientations and specialty lectures.
The facility serves as a cornerstone for the “Foundations of OR Nursing” courses, targeting both newly licensed nurses and experienced professionals transitioning into perioperative care. By using audiovisual technology to record and review performances, educators can help nurses develop the critical judgment and communication skills required in a fast-paced OR.
“Simulation allows learners to apply knowledge, exercise judgment, and learn in a safe, risk-free, structured environment,” Mary Beth Russell, senior vice president at The Institute for Nursing Excellence said. “Here, learners develop clinical judgment, confidence, and accountability, with patient safety at the center.”
The Livingston lab joins existing RWJBarnabas Health simulation facilities in Oceanport and Rahway, ensuring that nurses across Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey have convenient access to hands-on education.
This investment is part of a broader educational continuum that includes the recently expanded RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing, with campuses in Elizabeth and Oceanport. Together, these institutions create a seamless career pathway from nursing student to advanced professional.
