IV Pump Simulator
Creator: Jon Treece, MSN, RN

Description

The IV Pump Simulator is a versatile, web-based educational tool designed for nursing students and healthcare educators. It offers a realistic, interactive simulation of a modern intravenous infusion pump, complete with functionalities for both primary and secondary (piggyback) lines. The simulator features three distinct modes: an instructor mode for creating custom, PIN-protected scenarios with specific drugs, rates, and volumes; a student mode that uses a unique Room ID system to load and complete instructor-assigned problems with immediate feedback; and a free-play practice mode for open-ended learning and skill reinforcement. This provides a safe, accessible, and effective platform for users to practice essential IV medication administration skills before entering a clinical environment.

Click for IV Pump

How-to Guide

This guide will walk you through the three different modes of the IV Pump Simulator: Instructor Mode, Student Mode (Scenario), and Practice Mode.

For Instructors: Setting Up a Scenario

  1. Access Instructor Mode: From the home screen, click "Instructor Mode".
  2. Enter PIN: Use the on-screen keypad to enter the PIN: 2019 and click "OK".
  3. Set the Scenario:
    • Primary & Secondary Lines: For both lines, use the dropdown menu to select the correct Drug. Then, type in the correct Rate (mL/hr) and VTBI (mL) for your scenario.
    • Create a Room ID: In the final field, create a unique Room ID for your session. It's best to follow the suggested format: lastname-ddmmyyyy-hhmm (e.g., treece-04092025-1430).
  4. Create the Room: Click the "Create Room" button.
  5. Share with Students: The next screen will display the Room ID you created. Share this exact ID with your students so they can access the scenario.

For Students: Completing a Scenario

  1. Access Student Mode: From the home screen, click "Student Mode (Scenario)".
  2. Enter Room ID: Type the exact Room ID your instructor provided into the text box and click "Enter".
  3. Program the Pump:
    • Switch Lines: Click the "PRIMARY" and "SECONDARY" labels at the top of the screen to switch between the two lines.
    • Select the Drug: Click on the drug name field (it will say "--" initially). This will open the Drug Library. Select the correct drug for that line and click "Select".
    • Enter Rate and VTBI: Click on the "RATE" or "VTBI" fields to highlight them. Use the on-screen keypad to enter the correct numbers for your scenario.
    • Repeat for the other line.
  4. Run the Pump: Once you have programmed all the required fields for the initial infusion (primary or secondary), click the green "RUN" button.
  5. Get Feedback:
    • If all your entries (Drug, Rate, and VTBI) are correct, you will see a "Correct!" notification, and the pump will start running.
    • If any entry is incorrect, you will get an "Incorrect Settings" alarm, and the pump will not run. Review your settings and try again.

For Anyone: Using Practice Mode

  1. Access Practice Mode: From the home screen, click "Practice Mode".
  2. Program the Pump Freely: You can program any drug, rate, or VTBI for either line just as you would in Student Mode.
  3. Run the Pump: Click "RUN". In this mode, the pump will run with any valid settings you input. There is no "correct" or "incorrect" answer.
  4. Clear All Settings: At any time when the pump is stopped, you can click the "CLEAR ALL" button at the top right to reset all fields on both lines to their default state.