中国P站 (NPC) highlighted the impact of its new obstetrics (OB) simulation suite prior to Wednesday鈥檚 Board of Trustees meeting, showcasing how cutting鈥慹dge technology is transforming nursing education.
Through an Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD) grant and a generous donation from CHI St. Vincent of Hot Springs, NPC was able to build and equip a state-of-the-art OB simulation suite that enhances the students鈥� learning experience.
Janice Ivers, NPC Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, shared how the advanced laboring鈥憁other simulator is expanding access to hands鈥憃n training for every nursing student.
鈥淪imulation is used to bridge the gap between knowing and doing,鈥� Ivers said. 鈥淭his technology allows students to experience not only a normal labor and delivery, but also high-risk emergency situations involving the laboring mother鈥攕ituations they may never have the opportunity to encounter during traditional clinical rotations.鈥�
NPC鈥檚 OB simulator replicates a wide range of childbirth scenarios including breech deliveries, postpartum hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, and other high鈥憆isk emergencies. The simulator is housed in NPC鈥檚 newly redesigned birthing and pediatric suites, complete with audio鈥憊isual monitoring and a dedicated control room for faculty.
鈥淓very single one of our nursing students will use this,鈥� Ivers said. 鈥淎ll students have to go through OB, and this ensures they receive equitable education no matter what鈥檚 happening in local hospitals.鈥�
The simulation suite augments the clinical experience by providing consistent, high鈥憅uality training regardless of clinical availability. Ivers emphasized the broader community impact.
鈥淚 think it provides Garland County with safe healthcare workers,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e not an expert when you graduate, but you鈥檝e been exposed to the full range of experiences you need to begin your career confidently.鈥�
NPC President Dr. Wade Derden praised the nursing faculty for their leadership in advancing simulation鈥慴ased education and ensuring students are prepared for real鈥憌orld challenges.
鈥淭his investment reflects NPC鈥檚 commitment to innovation and to the health of our community,鈥� Derden said. 鈥淥ur nursing graduates play a vital role in regional healthcare, and tools like the OB simulator ensure they enter the workforce with confidence and experience.鈥�
Ivers noted that the birthing suite may also serve as a resource for local healthcare partners.
鈥淲hether it鈥檚 EMS, nursing, or hospital鈥慴ased staff, we would love to work together to make us all stronger,鈥� Ivers said.
There鈥檚 a place for you at NPC. For more information, visit np.edu.