BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — The University of Mary is known for having one of the top-ranked nursing programs in the nation — and this year, they completed a major renovation of the nursing school.

On Wednesday, October 9, faculty, staff, and nursing students came together for a dedication ceremony for the new renovation, which is the result of millions in donor contributions. Here, nursing teachers and students took a tour of the new and improved Casey Center for Nursing Education on U-Mary’s campus.

The renovation includes three new hospital rooms, an expanded nurses station, a nursing skills lab, and a medication room, which students were able to visit during the dedication. Included among the purchased medical equipment are seven hospital beds, five exam tables, a gurney, and an Automated External Defibrillator, along with the addition of adult and infant CPR mannequins for basic life support education.

Jayden Keller, a nursing student at the University of Mary, says he’s excited to continue his training on the new state-of-the-art medical equipment found in some hospitals.

“Everything we do will be in the same lab,” he states. “It will be improving for the mannequins and anything about providing care. This innovation will help the profession as a whole and the nursing school. It’s something really nice to have.”

Billie Madler is the Associate Dean of Nursing at the University of Mary.
She says the new simulated labs will provide students with a more real-world working environment, where they can get the hands-on experience they will need before working in a hospital along with expert faculty to teach them.

“These nursing simulation spaces have already proven to significantly elevate and advance the preparation of University of Mary nursing students,” she explains. “We can provide students real-life experiences in simulated scenarios where it’s safe to make mistakes and learn. Then, when we are in environments where we’re caring for human beings, we’re able to move beyond just technical aspects of caring, and truly see the person in front of us and care for them deeply.”

Madler concludes by noting that the renovation has allowed them to expand enrollment in their nursing program at a time when more students are needed, as hospitals across North Dakota are dealing with a shortage of nurses.

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