Level 4 (PBIE Committee)
PBIE ranking 9.
Upgrade Multi-Sensory Labs ($37,400)
The multi-sensory laboratory is used to teach the students basic nursing techniques. Once the faculty believes the student is "safe" to practice under supervision, the student is allowed to attempt these skills on "real" people in the hospital. Some of the equipment in the laboratories dates back to the beginning of the nursing program (1950s)! The laboratory still has three crank-up beds that need to be replaced with electric beds. Hospitals have wall oxygen outlets and wall suction; but the Nursing Laboratory has no oxygen equipment and the old portable vacuum suction containers. The Nursing Department is asking for $5,000 to up-date some of their equipment so that the laboratory will better reflect what the student will work with in the hospital and other institutions. Though not ranked highly on earlier lists, PBIE believes it is imperative to make these upgrades to move this crucial area of the college into the 21st century.
Level 5 (Cabinet)
During Cabinet's discussion, the AVPs explained that this initiative is part of their comprehensive approach/plan to review and respond to the instructional needs within each Department. Additionally, the information provided in the PIP system about the initiative was minimal.