Walla Walla University has received a $285,000 grant from the Washington Student Achievement Council to upgrade nursing simulation labs on the College Place campus. 

This grant provides the WWU School of Nursing with needed funds to modernize a nursing lab with three simulators, a realistic hospital room, and a long-term care room. Such additions provide a solidly realistic, safe environment for nursing students to practice their skills. 

Simulators allow students to interact with manikins that provide feedback verbally and through vital signs such as a physical pulse, and lung, cardiac, and bowel sounds. A control room allows instructors to oversee work and help students better understand their performance.

Michaelynn Paul, interim dean and professor of nursing, said that as the university’s nursing program transitions to competency-based learning, realistic simulation labs will help students master skills more efficiently. “The strong foundation that our nursing students will gain through the simulation lab will set our students up for success throughout the program and into their careers,” said Paul. 

Paul adds that simulation experience will not replace clinical rotations. Instead, simulations enhance the quality of clinical learning by allowing students to learn in ways they may not be able to in clinicals.

“We are so delighted to be able to provide this rich simulation experience for our students,” said Paul. “We are grateful to the Washington Student Achievement Council for this grant.”

The Washington Student Achievement Council is a state agency that works to raise educational attainment through strategic engagement, program management, and partnerships. 

To learn more about the nursing program at WWU, visit wallawalla.edu/nursing.