Purdue Global unveils new simulation center and growing partnership with CHI Health

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa, and WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University’s Office of Industry Partnerships continues to forge new partnerships and bring innovative learning models to Purdue Global School of Nursing students by partnering with CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs.

This joint venture also includes a state-of-the-art simulation center found within the CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs hospital.

“Establishing a state-of-the-art shared simulation center of excellence enhances the delivery of health care by developing innovative opportunities to educate current and future nurses,” said Melissa Burdi, dean and vice president of the Purdue Global School of Nursing.

The simulation center uses a family of high-fidelity Gaumard brand manikins — life-size anatomical human models — that include an infant, child, birthing mother and adult. The space consists of two large high-fidelity simulation suites staged as mock hospital rooms with audio/video capabilities, a master control room, three conference rooms to hold debriefings, several skills lab practice rooms, break areas, a nurses’ station, a central supply area, medication preparation space, offices, and storage space.

“In many ways, nurses are the heart of health care and work tirelessly to take care of patients in our hospitals and the community. That’s why we’re expanding access to education and training for nursing students — to grow and strengthen our pipeline of essential health care professionals in the Council Bluffs community and beyond,” said Joanna Smith, interim vice president of patient care. “With this new simulation lab, we’re using the latest technologies to ensure current and future nurses are not just qualified, but also practiced and experienced in clinical situations.”

Additionally, Purdue Global and CHI Health Mercy will work together to create mutually beneficial interprofessional simulation experiences where multiple health care professionals will practice patient and family care together.

This arrangement continues to build upon an existing partnership between Purdue Global and CHI Health Mercy in which Purdue Global students have completed their clinical rotations at the hospital. The simulation center is available now for Purdue Global students.

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://stories.purdue.edu/purdue-global.

About CHI Health

CHI Health is a regional health network with a unified mission: nurturing the healing ministry of the Church while creating healthier communities. Headquartered in Omaha, the combined organization consists of 14 hospitals, two stand-alone behavioral health facilities, more than 150 employed physician practice locations and more than 10,000 employees in Nebraska and southwestern Iowa.

Writer: Kaitlin McQueen

Media Contacts:

Purdue Global: Matthew Oates, oatesw@purdue.edu

CHI Health Mercy: Bailey Nielsen

Sources:

Michelle Carlson, Office of Industry Partnerships

Melissa Burdi, Purdue Global

Denise McNitt, CHI Health Mercy