Rockhurst University Receives $1 Million Gift for New Nursing Simulation Lab
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Rockhurst University has received a $1 million grant from the “In Thanksgiving to the Blessed Seelos Fund.”
This gift will be used for a new nursing simulation lab at Research College of Nursing.
The new lab will create a learning environment that teaches students how to better navigate healthcare. Students will gain clinical reasoning skills and experience interprofessional collaboration in a safe environment.
“This gift will provide the opportunity to create patient-centered scenarios,” said Nancy DeBasio, Ph.D., president and dean of Research College of Nursing. “As a result, graduates will be better able to lead change, acknowledge system fallibility and improve processes – leading to safe, quality patient care.”
The new lab, called the Seelos Simulation Center in honor of the donor family’s patron The Blessed St. Francis X. Seelos, C.Ss.R., will be constructed in the College’s lower level. It is anticipated to be ready for student use in the fall of 2011.
The gift will be used to renovate the existing space, train faculty, provide maintenance and purchase new equipment, including:
- Newborn, pediatric and adult manikins
- An electronic health record system
- Audio and video recording equipment
“Research College of Nursing and Rockhurst University have been partners in nursing education for 30 years,” said the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, O.S.F.S., president of Rockhurst University. “This gift reflects the donor’s great confidence in our partnership and program. The Seelos Simulation Center will assist us greatly in transforming an excellent program into an outstanding asset in nursing education for our community.”
Rockhurst University offers its bachelor of science in nursing degree in partnership with Research College of Nursing.
Rockhurst University is one of 28 Catholic, Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Founded in 1910, it serves approximately 3,000 students of all cultures and backgrounds at its campus located in the heart of Kansas City’s cultural and business district.
