Area residents toured the Emporia State Nursing + Student Wellness Center, including several simulation rooms, during an open house Saturday. Chuck Samples/KVOE News.
It has been three months since Emporia State University began its spring semester and opened its Nursing & Student Wellness Center.
Judging from the energy inside the building for a public open house on Saturday, the euphoria hasn’t worn off.
Provost Brent Thomas saw the building’s concept become reality over the last several years. He says the finished product “far surpassed” his goals for the facility.
Interim Assistant Dean of Nursing Katelyn Haddock had served as an assistant professor before taking on her new role. She says the new facility comes at a time when new nurses are sorely needed across the state. Two years ago, there were over 2,000 full-time-equivalent open positions for nurses just in Kansas.
Haddock was especially pleased to highlight the simulation hospital on the top floor.
Haddock says the new features and the emphasis on technology let professors adapt their lessons and simulations so students get the most accurate real-world experience. Thomas agrees.
Residents had opportunities to tour the simulation labs, the 11-bed skills lab, classrooms, student lounge, student success center and the Student Wellness Center during the open house. The nearly $19 million building was privately funded.
Click here for KVOE’s YouTube program, including a YouTube Short of the open house.
