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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU Opens State-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Laboratory
FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE Fla. — Nova Southeastern University will officially open a new high-tech nursing simulation lab on Wednesday, May 25 to better prepare students for a profession that’s in high demand.
The lab, operated by the Nursing Department of NSU’s College of Allied Health and Nursing, is a unique education center with 22 real-life robotic patients placed in hospital beds that simulate a full functioning hospital. The robotic patients are equipped with computer software that emulates various medical conditions and physical ailments.
The laboratory is a replica of a real hospital complete with a nurse station, medical equipment, and computers found at any local medical center. In addition, there is a 100-seat classroom, supply room, linen room, student lounge, and faculty offices.
“This new lab provides students with the knowledge, skill, and training required to enter nursing practice”, said Diane Y. John, PhD, MSN, ARNP, program director for the nursing program at NSU’s main campus in Davie. “
“Simulated experiences provide an opportunity for our students to gain a wealth of knowledge,” she said. “We want them to be well prepared and to hit the ground running as they apply their classroom knowledge and skill in a real life situation.”
The new nursing laboratory, housed at University Park Plaza on Nova’s main campus, was built to accommodate the program’s astronomical growth.
“With the phenomenal growth of the nursing program, it was obvious that more space was needed,” John said. “The old lab, with six beds for students to practice, no longer met the needs of the nursing program.”
NSU’s Nursing Department has been one of the university’s fastest growing programs since it was launched in 2003. It grew from 43 students to over 1,000. Nova also provides nursing education at its Student Educational Centers (SEC) in Kendall-Miami, West Palm Beach, Ft. Myers, and Orlando. About 450 of those students study nursing at Nova’s main campus in Davie.
Additionally, students who attend the nursing program at the Kendall-Miami SEC may apply for a scholarship from the Baptist Health South Florida. A perk for these students is the ability to work at one of Baptist Health’s hospitals for a minimum of three years.
The Nursing Department offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
The Nursing Department was pioneered by Diane K. Whitehead, R.N., M.S.N., Ed.D., associate dean and chair of the nursing department, and other professional associates. This new laboratory fulfills her vision for the program and is an example of her leadership, knowledge and ingenuity. This dedication is also, therefore, in honor of Whitehead’s years of service to NSU.
An open house for the new nursing lab will be held on Wednesday, May 25 at 3:30 p.m. The lab is located at Nova’s University Park Plaza on University Drive, just north of 36th Street in Davie.
About Nova Southeastern University: Located in Davie, Florida, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a dynamic fully accredited Florida University dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs of distinction from preschool through the professional and doctoral levels. NSU has more than 29,000 students and is the seventh largest not-for-profit independent institution nationally. The University awards associate’s, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, specialist, and first-professional degrees in a wide range of fields, including business, counseling, computer and information sciences, education, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, dentistry, various health professions, law, marine sciences, early childhood, psychology and other social sciences. Classified as a research university with “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, NSU was also awarded Carnegie’s Community Engagement Classification in 2010 for the University’s significant commitment to and demonstration of community engagement. For more information about NSU visit www.nova.edu.
Media Contact:
Ken Ma, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5408 (office), 954-830-4177 (cell), ken.ma@nova.edu