Nursing unveils new Learning Resource Center

By:  Andrew Mees, Director of College and Athletics Communications             communications@bloomfield.edu

The Frances M. McLaughlin Division of Nursing unveiled its newest addition at the outset of the spring, 2014 semester, as Bloomfield College welcomed the first classes into the recently completed Nursing Learning Resource Center (NLRC).

Part of College Hall’s near-term (1-5 years) renovation plans, the NLRC is the latest in a series of upgrades to one of the institution’s signature programs, designed to provide and incorporate the latest in healthcare technology and simulate a true hospital environment.

“Our new Nursing Learning Resource Center now offers both current and prospective students beautiful, spacious state-of-the-art labs, as well as the latest in simulation technology,” Director Lorraine Flood said.  “This will greatly enhance our students’ experiences during their time here, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with how these new facilities turned out.”

Funded by the Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) Grant, the cutting-edge spaces include an Exam and Bed lab, with each featuring 10 hospital beds or exam tables respectively.  Each lab contains a 12-person conference table, instructor laptop, nursing station with computers, and a ceiling-mounted projection system.

The Bed Lab also boasts headwalls complete with oxygen and suction simulation, while the Exam Lab features integrated wall-mounted units equipped with blood pressure machines, ophthalmoscopes and otoscopes. 

All areas of the Learning Resource Center feature wireless Internet access, with a computer lab for nursing students located adjacent to the lab spaces.  

“The new Resource Center provides a welcoming environment for growth as a nursing student, and for the development of essential nursing skills,” junior student Edwine Jean-Baptiste said.  “It is so exciting to see these types of things happening for our program.”

Click here to view a Flickr photo gallery of the new Nursing Learning Resource Center.