OUR SIM FAMILY IS GROWING!
Simulation Center Construction Update
Increased Training Opportunities for Students!
School of Nursing professors Kerry Allen and Cindy Johnson offer a behind-the-scenes look into some of the progress on Southern Adventist University's new nursing simulation center, located in Miller Hall, that's scheduled to open in fall 2025.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
When the first simulator arrived at Southern 17 years ago, it was promptly adopted
by professors and students as the go-to practice model. When technology changed, the
simulator family grew; Southern added an adult simulator and then a pediatric one.
Later, Victoria, the obstetric simulator, came to campus and began teaching students
the skills of labor, delivery, and recovery. More are on the way.
The simulator family needs a bigger house.
Right now, limitations of space and time with the simulators means that students can routinely only interact with a simulator once per semester. This dramatically reduces students’ ability to prepare for countless scenarios they will experience in the field.
Miller Hall, a space used for many academic purposes over the years, is being renovated to become the School of Nursing’s dedicated simulation center.
Victoria will have her own labor, delivery, and recovery space on the second floor. The med-surg and peds simulators will be downstairs, each in their own designated space. Each simulator space will have its own control center and software for students to record the experience and debrief afterward. Additional simulators will be added to give students more practice time and exposure to real-life situations that develop clinical judgment and critical thinking.
Simply put, the more time students spend practicing simulations, the better prepared they are to care for real patients.
The simulator family needs a bigger house.
Right now, limitations of space and time with the simulators means that students can routinely only interact with a simulator once per semester. This dramatically reduces students’ ability to prepare for countless scenarios they will experience in the field.
Miller Hall, a space used for many academic purposes over the years, is being renovated to become the School of Nursing’s dedicated simulation center.
Victoria will have her own labor, delivery, and recovery space on the second floor. The med-surg and peds simulators will be downstairs, each in their own designated space. Each simulator space will have its own control center and software for students to record the experience and debrief afterward. Additional simulators will be added to give students more practice time and exposure to real-life situations that develop clinical judgment and critical thinking.
Simply put, the more time students spend practicing simulations, the better prepared they are to care for real patients.
Total Funds Pledged and Raised for New Sim Labs
$1.9M
Total Funds Required to Complete New Sim Labs
$2.5M
Nurses Can Do Anything!
Faculty from Southern's School of Nursing are so excited about the Miller Hall renovations that will increase student access to simulation lab training that they take matters into their own hands.
“During our Childbearing Family class, simulators give students an engaging visual
to match theory with clinical practice. The students have an opportunity to ask questions
in real-time about things they don’t understand. They will often get out of their
seats to see better, take pictures, and immerse themselves in the simulation experience.
Students observe the nuances of maternal-infant care firsthand and their faces light
up when it clicks! As a result, they are much more confident as they care for real
patients in labor or postpartum recovery.”
LaShawn Horton, ’90, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE
Southern Adventist University
Professor of Nursing
LaShawn Horton, ’90, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE
Southern Adventist University
Professor of Nursing
NURSING'S NEW SIMULATION CENTER
Miller Hall is being renovated to accommodate new simulation labs and other spaces integral for training the next generation of nurses.
GET INVOLVED
Southern welcomes your support of our new nursing simulation center! To date, funds
supporting the simulation center have come from operations, private gifts, and corporate
donations. Southern is seeking additional gifts to cover the remaining costs. Start-up
costs include equipment purchases, renovation expenses, and a program endowment. Initial
expenses include:
$600,000
$1,900,000
HONORING A LEGACY
Professor Bonnie Hunt dedicated 45 years to serving the School of Nursing via her
own vocational mission: ASAP (Assisting Students to Achieve Professionally). Many
students credit this program—especially her individualized study plans and encouragement—for
helping them pass their State Board Exam or NCLEX and succeed in nursing.We invite you to celebrate this investment in students by making a gift toward a named space for Bonnie within the new simulation labs. A special $40,000 matching opportunity will help alumni and friends of Southern maximize their impact and further honor the legacy of this beloved nursing leader on our campus.
Gifts of support for the simulation lab space to be named after Bonnie Hunt can be made online (select from the pulldown menu).
“Southern’s investment in simulation is critical to equip the next generation of nurses
to serve their patients and communities at the highest level. I’m excited that these
students will be able to acquire essential skills with cutting-edge training spaces
and tools that support the mission Southern nurses have to provide quality care and
to improve health outcomes locally and globally.”
Jennifer Wenzel, ’91, PhD, RN
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Director of PhD and Postdoctoral Programs
Jennifer Wenzel, ’91, PhD, RN
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Director of PhD and Postdoctoral Programs
Support the New Simulation Labs
Support Southern's School of Nursing today. The future happens now!