Major Grants Fund Nursing Simulation Lab Renovations

The Clarke University Nursing department has secured a grant for $127,000 from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust to update portions of the Nursing Simulation Lab. This is the second grant the Nursing department has received this year, with the first made possible through the generous support of the SC Ministry Foundation, which promotes the mission and ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. 

The Nursing Simulation Lab is a defining feature of Clarke’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and sets us apart as one of the best nursing schools in Iowa. The facilities replicate a hospital or clinical setting, allowing Nursing faculty to recreate real-world scenarios for students beginning the program. Students practice their diagnostic skills, work with equipment, and more in a guided setting before advancing to their clinicals, preceptorships, and work in the field. The Simulation Lab also serves an important role for other programming, like the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs and the summer Wellness Camp for middle school students. 

“We were thrilled to hear the news that we were awarded funding from both grants,” said Professor of Nursing, Lisa Rettenmeier. “The funds will help update the simulation mannequins and the software needed to run the scenarios. With these updates, we can expand our offerings and run integrated simulation scenarios incorporating both Nursing and Physical Therapy students. This is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with both disciplines.” 

Learn more about Clarke’s nationally recognized nursing degree program at clarke.edu/academics/nursing.