St. Luke’s College – UnityPoint Health unveiled a new tool to help people who want to pursue a future career in nursing and other medical fields.
“We are so thrilled to open and celebrate the new St. Luke's college simulation lab and experience classrooms.”
That’s the President of the UnityPoint Health St. Lukes's Foundation, Kari Winklepleck, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, March 3rd.
“What this is going to allow us to do is create a really safe environment for students to thrive, to practice, to really gain all of the tools and the knowledge they need to be successful in the healthcare industry, which we know is so valuable and so important. And so we could not ask for a better space here.”
The Simulation Center will help nursing pupils prepare for real patients with real medical issues.
“I'm just I'm incredibly excited for what the future has for St. Luke's College and the students that are graduating.”
Addy Kastning is studying radiology and will be done with school in May.
“I know that even in just these next few months, the opportunities for me to get in here to really touch up on my skills before I get out into the workforce. And really just get incredibly comfortable with health care, a bedside manner, and everything that comes with health care.”
As the country faces a nursing shortage, the simulations students will experience, will help them during potentially stressful situations.
“Patients are unpredictable, you know, every day is different. And that's personally why I chose health care. You are helping somebody in their worst moment."
“Just more opportunities for incoming students who may be just aren't sure if it's for them, they can get in and know if it's the right fit, and if they're in the right field of healthcare, for example. So, if bedside nursing isn't necessarily for you, there are many, many different programs that you can go for, including respiratory, radiology, and lab sciences.”
A $100,000 grant from Missouri River Historical Development assisted in funding the simulations center’s construction.
“Not only do they support St Luke's through education through scholarships, but this is a huge grant. And what this does is it allows us to continue to do hands on experiential learning, which is at the forefront of everything that we do at St. Luke's everything here is health-based programs,” said Winklepleck.
Hand-on healthcare to help both patients and providers.
Submitted news release:
(SIOUX CITY, IA – March 3, 2022) St. Luke’s College – UnityPoint Health® adds new, interactive Simulation Center for students to experience real-life scenarios in a safe, controlled setting.
Located on the campus of St. Luke’s College, the simulation center features high-fidelity manikins that are managed by instructors through a two-way mirror within the classroom. Within the immersive space, there are both pediatric and adult manikins to allow students the opportunity to put what they learn in the classroom to the test. New equipment and beds were added to the newly renovated space which includes four mock patient rooms.
“Health care is ever-evolving, so healthcare education must evolve as well,” says Shannon Merk, DNP, Associate Dean of Nursing. “This new addition to the college will open a multitude of encounters for students who then go on to provide positive impacts on future patients, families, and healthcare organizations.”
Simulation centers are popular among healthcare colleges and universities as it helps students gain confidence in high-pressure situations without jeopardizing the health and safety of a patient. These centers will be an essential part of healthcare education for years to come.
“As the only health system-based college in western Iowa, we are committed to helping students become competent healthcare providers,” says Kendra Ericson, Ph.D., St. Luke’s College President. “Our new simulation center will continue our mission of hands-on learning.”
The simulation center was part of a $100,000 grant awarded by the Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD) to assist in funding the construction.
St. Luke’s College is currently enrolling students for Summer and Fall 2023 semesters. Students can apply online at stlukescollege.edu or contact admissions via email atcollege@stlukescollege.edu.