Tusculum receives grant for nursing simulation lab expansion

Tusculum College’s nursing program has been awarded a $116,159 grant from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation for expansion of the nursing simulation lab.

Grant funds will be used to expand the nursing programs simulation laboratory by adding an infant and a pediatric simulator for infant and pediatric nursing training.

According to Michelle Arbogast, associate director of foundation and donor relations, the purpose of this grant is to educate nursing students in practical clinical exercises without causing any harm to patients.

“It will provide an alternative to the pediatric clinical experience,” said Dr. Lois Ewen, dean of the School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Human Services and professor of nursing. “Simulation allows students an opportunity to make clinical decisions and see the consequences of those decisions. We all learn from our mistakes. With simulation, students can learn from their mistakes without harming a patient.”

The infant and pediatric simulators join two adult simulators purchased through a previous grant from the BCBS and the Tennessee Health Foundation in spring 2013.

The simulation lab provides opportunities for other academic programs at Tusculum, such as physiology courses in the science and physical education departments and the athletic training program, as well as other health care organizations in the Greeneville community.

Dr. Ewen said, “We open the lab for our community partners, which enhances the health of our community as a whole.”

 

From left, Michelle Arbogast, associate director of foundation and donor relations; Heather Patchett, vice president of institutional advancement; Dr. Jerry Ward, trustee; Jane Brown, nursing faculty; Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president Dawn Abel, manager of community relations and foundations for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation; Dr. Linda Garrett, assistant dean of nursing; Dr. Lois Ewen, dean of nursing, and Tammy Albright, chief nursing officer, Takoma Regional Hospital.