Nursing students at Thomas Edison State College can safely diagnose and make decisions for a variety of patients without the fear of doing harm, thanks in part to a $37,500 grant from Investors Bank Foundation, in partnership with Roma Bank Community Foundation. This is the second grant in this amount in as many years from Investors to the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing.
“The Virtual Clinical Simulation (VCS) program has given our online nursing students access to sophisticated digital representations of patients, integrated with advanced technology and software,” explained Dr. Filomela Marshall, Dean of the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing at Thomas Edison State College. “The funding also supports our on-ground Nursing Simulation Lab which is the technological centerpiece of the Accelerated Second Degree BSN Program.”
The funding is part of a multiyear installment that supports the ongoing expansion of the school’s innovative online VCS program and on-ground Nursing Simulation Lab; according to Marshall, both technologies are invaluable in supplementing students’ clinical nursing experience, enabling them to develop optimal critical thinking and decision-making skills in replicated environments at no risk to real patients. Last year’s funding from Investors Bank enabled the school to purchase the necessary software and one of six MAC avatars for the VCS program.
“We are enormously grateful for the generosity of Investors Bank,” said Misty Isak, Associate Vice President of Development at Thomas Edison State College. “Their funding makes it possible for the college to respond to the needs of our students and provide an important technological component in their education. Their support, and that of all our donors and partners, is vital to the pursuit of our mission.”
The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing at Thomas Edison applied for the grant from Investors Foundation and the Roma Bank Community Foundation, both of which support non-profit organizations that enrich the diverse communities served by Investors Bank; Roma Bank became part of Investors Bank in early December 2013.
“Providing New Jersey students with the tools they need to become successful in the medical field is a joy for Investors Bank,” said Linda Martin, Senior Market Manager, Investors Bank. “We are delighted to see the funds being put to good use in the classrooms at Thomas Edison State College, where students can learn practical knowledge without potentially hurting anyone.”
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