Illinois College Embarks on Transformative Renovation Project to Enhance Nursing Program Facilities
In a significant commitment to advancing healthcare education, Illinois College proudly announces a comprehensive renovation project aimed at expanding and enhancing the nursing program facilities.
This endeavor creates additional state-of-the-art learning environments in Baxter and Parker Halls, providing nursing students with increased opportunities for hands-on learning and cutting-edge training.
The renovation project, slated for completion by August 2024, focuses on expanding the nursing program labs. This reaffirms Illinois College's dedication to delivering a high-quality, hands-on education that prepares students for the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.
Dr. Angela Bently, director of nursing at Illinois College, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This renovation underscores our commitment to providing an exceptional education for our nursing students. By expanding and modernizing our facilities, we aim to create an environment that not only meets the highest educational standards but also empowers our students to Graduate READY for their future healthcare careers."
Key highlights of the renovation project include:
- Expanded Lab Facilities: The project will add dedicated space to accommodate the growing needs of the nursing program. New, fully equipped labs will be established to provide students with a hands-on learning experience that closely simulates real-world healthcare settings, including labor and delivery, pediatric care, home health settings, and ICU.
- Advanced Simulation Technology: The renovated labs will be equipped with the latest simulation technology, allowing nursing students to engage in realistic clinical scenarios. This cutting-edge technology will enhance critical thinking skills and better prepare students for the challenges they may encounter in their future careers.
- Collaborative Learning Spaces: The project will introduce collaborative learning spaces that foster teamwork and communication among nursing students. These spaces will encourage a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences, promoting a supportive and interactive learning community.
- Health Assessment Lab: Specifically designed for sophomore students, the facility will feature realistic and immersive hands-on experiences. Of particular interest, this space allows students to practice skills earlier in their studies than most other nursing programs.
- Enhanced Faculty Resources: The renovation will also include updates to faculty resources, ensuring that instructors have access to the latest tools and technologies to facilitate effective teaching and mentorship.
I’m excited for the completion of this renovation because I think it is really going to help students practice one-on-one care. Being able to have lab facilities in the same space where teaching is happening is incredibly valuable because it gives students the ability to learn from mistakes as we make them.”
The renovation is made possible through Illinois College’s partnership with Memorial Health. The IC+MH academic partnership announced in June 2023 included a $4.2 million grant to renovate facilities, provide scholarships to nursing students, and support student success in an effort to reduce the nursing shortage in Central Illinois.
Illinois College’s nearly 200-year history of empowering students to make a difference in the world extends its legacy of excellence to nursing education. With a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate for the class of 2023, the College is taking a significant step forward in ensuring that more students can pursue their dreams of becoming registered nurses through this transformative renovation.