Walla Walla University School of Nursing has received a $105,231 grant from the Washington Student Achievement Council to upgrade nursing simulation labs on the Portland campus. This is the third significant grant awarded to the School of Nursing in the past year, continuing to support high-level nursing education at WWU.

This grant will provide funds to modernize nursing simulation labs on the university’s Portland campus. Simulators provide a solidly realistic, safe environment for nursing students to practice their skills, building confidence for clinical rotations and allowing students to learn in ways they may not be able to in clinicals. Similar simulation labs on the College Place campus were revamped this fall and have helped students master skills more efficiently. The funds will also support the completion of an electronic medication delivery system to be available on both campuses.

The ongoing investment in excellent equipment is only a part of the School of Nursing’s continuing success. Ranked in 2023 as the second best school in Washington for a bachelor’s degree in nursing by RNCareers, WWU provides excellent preparation for a successful nursing career. Walla Walla University distinguished itself with high NCLEX passing rates and a curriculum that's both academically rigorous and practically relevant, according to an RNCareer press release on the ranking.

National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is taken by all nursing students after graduation, and all must pass the NCLEX before becoming registered nurses. According to the Washington State Board of Nursing and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 95% of WWU nursing graduates in 2023 passed the NCLEX on their first try. This is notably higher than the national average pass rate of 90%. 

Michaelynn Paul, dean and professor of nursing, said, “Our robust simulation labs with brand new equipment enhance the 900 hours of clinical hours we provide to students. We are committed to creating a vision of nursing that is inclusive and equitable, and to prepare nurses to excel in the ever-changing health care environment. We’re grateful to the Washington Student Achievement Council for supporting our work with this grant.”

Learn more about our nursing program, at wallawalla.edu/nursing.

Posted Jan. 22, 2024.