Grand Opening of RIC School of Nursing Wing
This $6.3 million, 9,190-square-foot wing was funded by a $50 million bond approved in 2012 for the renovation of three RIC buildings: Craig-Lee Hall, Gaige Hall and Fogarty Life Science. Fogarty Life Science is the first to be completed.
“One of our emerging themes here at RIC is ‘learning innovation,’” said RIC President Frank D. Sánchez. “Boasting the latest technology in nursing simulation, this facility demonstrates what our college is capable of when you combine one of the nation’s best nursing programs, top notch faculty and the collective investment made by Rhode Islanders.”
RIC’s School of Nursing has the largest baccalaureate nursing program in the state, but “we were well below the guidelines for square footage per student in our classroom, laboratory, office and student gathering space, and we needed a distinctive building for our school as well as an updated simulation area,” said Dean of the School of Nursing Jane Williams.
Most of the simulation learning activities have moved to the new wing. There is a simulation lab for health assessment and fundamental skills training, as well as a human patient simulator lab, where life-like, anatomically correct, computer-driven mannequins with physiologic responses mimic real patients. Additionally, there is a control room with state-of-the-art equipment and computers that control the software system installed in the simulation rooms.
Williams explained that simulation learning is the most effective way to prepare students to take care of real patients. RIC and Yale have the only accredited nursing school simulation labs in the Northeast.
The new wing includes offices for the dean, the undergraduate department chair and program directors, administrative staff and the simulation coordinator/educator.
A gathering space was created in the lobby, where students can hold small group meetings or simply socialize.
“It’s really an uplifting environment for students, promoting the enjoyment of learning and pride in being a nursing student,” said Williams.
RIC’s School of Nursing has had numerous benchmark successes over the years. Its R.N. to B.S.N. program has been ranked #1 in New England and 10th out of more than 700 programs in the United States by www.RNtoBSN.org.
The pass rate of B.S.N. graduates on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination is consistently above state and national averages, and RIC graduates are being accepted to prestigious nurse residency programs in Rhode Island and across the nation.
M.S.N. graduates also continue to have high pass rates on their certification exams. The graduate-level certified registered nurse anesthetists program was awarded the highest level of accreditation allowed, while the school established a new Doctor of Nursing Practice program this year and is also partnering with the Providence VA Medical Center on a post-baccalaureate residency program.
“In so many ways, the new wing will help us continue to educate outstanding nurses who serve Rhode Island,” said Williams. “Our students reflect the social, ethnic and economic diversity of the state and our faculty encourage a cooperative, collegial learning environment that benefits all.”