��ֱ����

By Al Bahe, development director for the College of Nursing 

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” 

John Dewey 

American philosopher, psychologist, educational reformer 

John Dewey didn’t have the South ��ֱ���� State University College of Nursing in mind when he penned those words, yet they are incredibly appropriate. How that education is provided makes all the difference in the world. As technology and medical treatment methods have advanced, quite rapidly in recent years, the methods of presenting the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum also need to adapt. 

One of the most effective ways to provide that training and education is through clinical skills practice and the experience of simulated health care situations. Each of those methods requires specialized equipment and expertise in knowing how to use that equipment. 

Every summer, I receive an updated list of items needed for the simulation and clinical skills programs from Alyssa Zweifel, director of the College of Nursing Healthcare Simulation Center. Many of these items are purchased through the generosity of SDSU nursing alumni and others who realize the value of this equipment in preparing the next generation of nurse professionals. It’s also imperative for maintaining the accreditation the Healthcare Simulation Center has earned from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. 

One of the most effective learning items is a high-fidelity human manikin. Several manikins currently in use at SDSU are more than 20 years old and will need to be replaced within the next couple of years. Purchase of a new midrange manikin runs in the range of $45,000. 

Others, such as a birthing mother manikin, cost as much as $75,000 each. For a certain number of students, their required clinical experiences may never include live childbirth. Thus, the opportunity to be involved with a simulated live birth scenario using a birthing mother manikin may very well be their only experience prior to entering the workforce. Currently, the SDSU College of Nursing does not own a birthing mother manikin. 

Additional examples of needed items are IV arm trainers, IV pumps/tubing, “Chester Chest” injection trainers, and disaster/triaging simulation kits. The purchase cost of these items runs from $1,000 up to $15,000 each. 

While the College of Nursing annual budget includes some funding for equipment needs, it simply isn’t feasible to cover the full cost of all needed items. That’s where you can help. Reach out to me today and let’s talk about ways you can help bring this education to life. It might be a single gift, or maybe you’re able to consider a multiyear pledge/installment plan over a period of years. Together, we can tailor a plan for your circumstances. 

As we come full circle, here’s another appropriate quote from John Dewey: “If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” 

Help us prepare for tomorrow’s students by bringing education to life today.