PNC Thanks LaPorte Hospital Foundation for Donation to Nursing Dept.

Westville – Purdue University North Central Nursing students have benefited from a gift made by the LaPorte Hospital Foundation that provided the funds to acquire state-of-the-art patient simulators for realistic learning experiences. The computerized simulators, known as SimMan and SimBaby are sophisticated learning tools that give students realistic experiences to aid them in learning and practicing the complexities of patient care.

“We truly appreciate the generosity of the LaPorte Hospital Foundation,” said Dr. James B. Dworkin, PNC chancellor, during a public open house Wednesday afternoon.

“We are indeed fortunate that the Foundation recognized the benefit of these simulators to our students and made a grant available to us for their purchase. Not only will these simulators provide our students with a superior learning experience, but our community will benefit as our students enter the nursing profession with superior skills.”

The SimMan and SimBaby will also be available to LaPorte Regional Health System clinical nurse educators who will use the equipment for the continuing education of the hospital’s clinical staff.

"This is exciting from a clinical education point of view, because we know that the nurses who graduate from Purdue North Central and become part of the LaPorte Regional Health System care team will have been trained with amazing technology. In addition, our nurses already on staff will be using this laboratory at PNC for continuing education as we move forward to offer the best patient experience in the community," said Beth Voterro PhD, RN, CNE, director of Clinical Education, LaPorte Regional Health System.

The simulators are used in a PNC classroom that resembles a hospital room. The SimMan and SimBaby have lifelike appearances and can breathe, talk or make vocal noises and generate heart, breath and bowel sounds. Students can check blood pressure, insert an IV and complete a variety of medical procedures. The simulators may be outfitted with various wounds, injuries and medical maladies.

They may be programmed to speak, so that students learn how to appropriately interact with patients and become more familiar with asking questions that can help them assess the patient’s condition.

By practicing treatment in the same way it occurs in a medical facility, students have the opportunity to learn life-saving clinical, technical and decision-making skills. If necessary for the learning situation, the simulators can “die.” The simulators are easily moved so students may practice in simulated field situations, too.

An interactive computer system lets educators create realistic and challenging medical situations to test students’ critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills. The system also provides immediate feedback that helps both student and the classroom professor in assessing the success of the treatment.

"By coming together on this partnership with Purdue North Central, the LaPorte Hospital Foundation Board of Directors has made a significant investment in the future of healthcare at its very roots: education of our current and future healthcare providers. We look forward to learning how this technology will impact the quality of care in the communities we serve," said Maria Fruth, executive vice president, chief operating officer of the La Porte Hospital Foundation.

PNC and LaPorte Regional Health System have maintained a successful relationship for many years. Since the day PNC awarded its first degree in Nursing in 1968, hundreds of PNC graduates have pursued careers at LaPorte Regional Health System, and the hospital has opened its doors to the University by providing clinical learning experiences for PNC students. LaPorte Regional Health System officials have served on PNC advisory board committees and PNC employees have served as hospital board members and provided expertise in many volunteer positions.

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