Walla Walla University School of Nursing received a $105,231 grant from Washington Student Achievement Council to upgrade nursing simulation labs on the Portland campus. This is the third significant grant awarded to the School of Nursing in the past year, continuing to support high-level nursing education at WWU.
This grant will provide funds to modernize nursing simulation labs on the university’s Portland campus. Simulators provide a solidly realistic, safe environment for nursing students to practice their skills, building confidence for clinical rotations and allowing students to learn in ways they may not be able to in clinicals.
Similar simulation labs on the College Place campus were revamped fall 2023 and have helped students master skills more efficiently. The funds will also support the completion of an electronic medication delivery system to be available on both campuses.
The ongoing investment in equipment is only a part of the School of Nursing’s ongoing success. Ranked in 2023 as the second-best school in Washington for a bachelor’s degree in nursing by RNCareers, WWU provides excellent preparation for a successful nursing career. WWU distinguished itself with high National Council Licensure Examination passing rates and a curriculum that's both academically rigorous and practically relevant, according to an RNCareers press release on the ranking.
NCLEX is taken by all nursing students after graduation, and all must pass the NCLEX before becoming registered nurses. According to the Washington State Board of Nursing and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 95% of WWU nursing graduates in 2023 passed the NCLEX on their first try. This is notably higher than the national average pass rate of 90%.
Simulators provide a solidly realistic, safe environment for nursing students to practive their skills, building their confidence and skill set for clinical rotations.
Michaelynn Paul, dean and professor of nursing, said, “Our robust simulation labs with brand-new equipment enhance the 900 hours of clinical hours we provide to students. We are committed to creating a vision of nursing that is inclusive and equitable, and to preparing nurses to excel in the ever-changing healthcare environment. We’re grateful to Washington Student Achievement Council for supporting our work with this grant.”
Learn about how WWU is preparing students to be the hands and feet of Jesus through successful and fulfilling nursing careers at wallawalla.edu/nursing.
