REDDING, Calif.—In partnership with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center Redding, Simpson University has expanded its nursing simulation labs to facilitate more training for students and nurses.

The Betty M. Dean School of Nursing expansion includes three additional simulation beds and manikins, which can “breathe” with chest rise and fall, speak, and be programmed with vital signs, among other features. That brings the total of manikins in the university’s simulation lab to 13.

“This additional simulation space helps prepare more students for real-life patient scenarios,” said Kristie Stephens, dean of the School of Nursing. “With the aid of these high-tech tools, our exceptional faculty, staff and students are helping build the vision and future of healthcare.”

Simpson University nursing students use the clinical skills labs throughout the school year. In addition, more than 650 nurses and respiratory therapists annually utilize the simulation manikins through the Education Department at Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center Redding.

“These manikins are vital to our ability to simulate real-life patient scenarios, such as in early intervention for sepsis, emergency response, and other patient crisis situations,” said Sandra Rock, manager of education at Dignity Health. “This training helps us to improve our patient outcomes. We are excited for this expansion and are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Simpson in supporting their simulation lab.”

In 2011, Simpson launched a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program, expanding its nursing educational options, which also include a 12-month RN-BSN Track. In 2014, the university dedicated a new 30,000-square-foot Science and Nursing Center. The nursing center was named the Betty M. Dean School of Nursing in 2016 in honor of a longtime university board member, former nurse and former president of Butte College.

In 2018, the Betty M. Dean School of Nursing was listed as the 17th best nursing program in California by RegisteredNursing.org. Nursing programs were assessed on several factors which represent how well a program supports students toward licensure and beyond. The School of Nursing was also listed at No. 14 in Niche’s 2017 Best Colleges for Nursing in California.

The School of Nursing has graduated more than 165 four-year bachelor of science in nursing students since 2011. In addition, nearly 170 students have graduated from Simpson’s RN-BSN Track, designed for registered nurses who want to obtain their bachelor’s degree.

In addition to its national CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) accreditation, the Betty M. Dean School of Nursing is also accredited by the Western Senior College and University Commission and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

The university now offers fall and spring cohorts for students in the four-year nursing program.

Learn more at simpsonu.edu/nursing.

Top, Simpson University President Norm Hall, right, and Dr. Tom Perry, a medical doctor and university board member, stand inside the new addition to the simulation lab in the Science and Nursing Center. Dr. Perry takes Simpson nursing students on a medical missions trip to Mexico during spring break. / Center: The expanded lab includes three new manikins, bringing the total to 13. / Bottom: Simpson nursing students gain hands-on patient experience with the manikins.

###

Simpson University, established in 1921, is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. The university will celebrate its centennial in 2021. Simpson was named as one of the 2018 Colleges of Distinction. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults with both on-campus and online course offerings; the Betty M. Dean School of Nursing, A.W. Tozer Seminary, the School of Education, and the School of Graduate Professional Studies. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.