Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan is making great strides to improve its nursing program.
The university opened the newly renovated Mary De Witt Center for Nursing last week. Cornerstone allotted $3.5 million to develop the 8,100-square-foot facility, which was designed to resemble a hospital wing. The center is furnished with immersive and top-of-the-line technology.
“We’re really proud of the design. And it does, in fact, mimic [a] hospital-type setting. So students will feel very much like they’re in a medical space,” Senior Vice President of Traditional Undergraduate Academics Shawn Newhouse told MLive.
The administration also plans to establish a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program once the Higher Learning Commission formally approves of the proposed curriculum. If authorized, the program will augment current degrees such as pre-med and pre-nursing.
New Infrastructure
An old science building on campus was renovated to create the new nursing center. The facility contains a large main laboratory space and specialized rooms for intensive care.
Students will also be able to work with seven artificial intelligence mannequins designed by CAE Healthcare for a real, hands-on experience.
Newhouse explained that the university wanted a nursing program for years. The first step to accomplish this goal was to partner with Detroit Mercy five years ago to allow students to finish their nursing degrees at the hospital after earning an associate’s degree with the school.
With the creation of the center, there will be no need for students to finish their studies elsewhere.