Central ND News

The University of Mary has announced upgrades to its nursing program, bolstered by nearly $3 million in donor contributions. This enhancement, part of the ongoing Vision 2030 Capital Campaign, aims to elevate the Casey Center for Nursing Education, ensuring that students and faculty have access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology.

The renovations support the university's mission to prepare nursing graduates for real-world challenges. Key features of the upgraded Casey Center include six high-fidelity simulation labs, three control rooms, and a spacious nurses' station. Notable additions also include the Larry and Eileen Weigum Division of Nursing and the Warren Nursing Simulation Center, among others.

“We are deeply humbled and profoundly grateful to our donors for their extraordinary generosity,” University President Monsignor James Shea said to donors during the dedication ceremony on October 9. “Thanks to you, one of the nation’s top-ranked nursing programs now has the tools to better prepare our students for the demands of a profession in crisis. As the nation faces an unprecedented nursing shortage, this new facility will help ensure our students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and compassion they need to meet the challenges ahead."

The facility’s new technology is designed to enhance the educational experience. Students will benefit from advanced simulation equipment, including hospital beds, exam tables, and various manikins for CPR training. Additionally, a cutting-edge VALT system has been installed, which integrates high-quality audio-visual tools to help students capture and analyze their performance during simulations.

"“The goal of this endeavor was to provide University of Mary nursing students and faculty with a high-tech facility aimed to support transformative educational practices that best prepare nurses for entry into the workforce as highly competent, confident, and compassionate professionals grounded in moral courage,” said Dr. Billie Madler, associate dean of Nursing at the University of Mary. “Nursing simulation education equips nursing students with the essential skills in clinical judgment, effective communication, ethical decision-making, compassion, and efficient care delivery by immersing them in realistic scenarios that foster critical thinking and hands-on experience."

The University of Mary is responding to the growing demand for qualified nursing professionals. The recent launch of a tuition-free Nursing Academy and the addition of a Student Success Coach further support students’ academic journeys. These initiatives are designed to address individual challenges and promote success within the nursing program.

Research from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing indicates that advancing nursing education significantly improves patient outcomes. The University of Mary’s rigorous BSN program, enhanced by these renovations, prepares graduates to deliver holistic care and meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.