Community project funding/congressionally directed spending - construction - as one of only two public universities in the north central region of west virginia, fairmont state university bears a…

Community project funding/congressionally directed spending - construction - as one of only two public universities in the north central region of west virginia, fairmont state university bears a responsibility to supply its students, many of whom have limited opportunities for collegiate learning, with quality, dynamic instruction. This is especially true for students in healthcare-related fields, as these disciplines are facing nationwide shortages and are constantly evolving and adapting to modern developments and technologies. The current simulation center in the college of nursing at fairmont state was established in 2008 in colebank hall and includes multiple training stations. Since its inception, the simulation center has grown, and its current location can no longer house the simulation labs, hindering student learning. To ensure that fairmont state's simulation center efficiently meets current best practices and provides students with a rigorous clinical experience, a relocation and expansion of the current simulation center is necessary. Funding will be used to move the simulation center from colebank hall to the education building, where the nursing program is located. This relocation will lessen accessibility issues caused by the prior separation of the simulation center and the education building. Funding will also be used to renovate the first floor of the education building, as the interior will require a new layout and design, as well as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and fire alarm systems. The population group most directly impacted by this project is fairmont state's nursing students and faculty. Students will be able to gain practical, meaningful experience in the simulation center that will advance their knowledge in the healthcare field. An enhanced, state-of-the-art simulation center will also strengthen fairmont state as an institution of higher education by attracting and retaining more nursing students. Ultimately, the impact of this project goes far beyond fairmont state, as IT will provide a ppalachian students with accurate, advanced learning experiences that will prepare them for clinical work. As a result of fairmont state's ability to produce a greater number of qualified and highly-skilled nursing graduates, the quality of local medical care will benefit from an updated and expanded simulation center.