College of Nursing Alumni Reunion

Alums - Class of 1962

Fifty years have passed since I graduated from the University of Iowa, College of Nursing (where did the time go).  The College and University Hospitals continues to excell in patient care and education.  Seven of my classmates attended the reunion at the Nursing Clinical Education Center - located within the University Hospitals.  We listened to Dean Frantz talk about the initiatives that continue to lead University students to position of leadership in healthcare.  Ann Williamson, Chief Nursing Officer for the Hospital spoke to our group about the expansion of U of Iowa Hospitals and the "journey" to be redesignated as a "magnet" hospital. 

Patient Simulator - College of Nursing

A feature of the College of Nursing are the patient simulators that are used to instruct students on basic skills and proper responses to various situations.  Student interventions with the "patient" are video-taped for self critique.  These realistic dummies can be programmed to present multiple scenarios that future nursing graduates may face in the workplace.  (No longer practicing injections on an orange!)
Sharing the day with class of 1962 graduates, I am reminded of the value of my nursing education.  It has been fifty years since I wore the "candy stripped" uniform, as a student.  Nursing education has vastly changed with the introduction of realistic simulators for practicing nursing skills.  However, the focus on quality patient care remains.