Patti Carstens receives April Gold ‘U’

Patti Carstens wasn’t always tech savvy.

The trained librarian remembers the day her daughter — then a high school student — came to her rescue on a computer assignment.

Patti Carstens

Today, the program manager for the Clinical Skills Center in the UNMC College of Medicine, is fascinated with the technology.

“I’m a librarian who found a home,” she said.

Carstens — whose work earned her the Chancellor’s Gold ‘U’ for April — supports faculty and students in the interdisciplinary simulation of clinical skills and patient safety.

“She has a passion for what she does,” said Paul Paulman, M.D., assistant dean for clinical skills and patient quality in the College of Medicine.

As a visual and tactile learner, she understands how simulators enhance learning.

“It takes anxiety away from a learner and gives them confidence. I’d much rather have someone start 100 IVs on a mannequin than do the first one on me.”

Below, Carstens reflects on her job inside the Sorrell Center.

On the impact the Clinical Skills Center has had on student learning:

Students have said they would like to do more simulation. They love the opportunity to put theoretical knowledge into hands-on experiences.

On watching students in the skills center:

I have literally seen the ‘ah ha’ moment when students say “oh, that’s why we do it that way.” It’s so cool to see the lights turn on and I get the opportunity to see it daily.

On commonly asked questions about simulators:

How do they work and how much do they cost?

On what makes you proud to work at UNMC:

The opportunity to work side-by-side with some of the most dedicated and intelligent people I’ve ever met.