Explore the New Nursing Building during Homecoming

Photo Credit: UNCW/Jamie Moncrief

When strolling down Chancellor’s Walk, it’s hard not to notice the structure in the area that, not too long ago, was a parking lot. Standing in the shadows of this state-of-the-art building, UNCW students, faculty, staff, and visitors gaze in awe of the new resources available to UNCW students.

Not only does the architecture match the Georgian style seen on UNCW’s campus, but the new facility accommodates a larger number of faculty and students. Multiple resources include classrooms and offices, eight simulation labs, a large lecture hall, and distance learning, providing for all needs under one roof.

Photo Credit: UNCW/Jamie Moncrief

Currently, UNCW nursing students have the opportunity to work with mannequins in areas such as critical care, maternal/infant care, and pediatrics, but before Fall 2010, their lab was only about 1,000 square feet. Due to the expansion of lab space in the new building, students now have approximately 10,000 square feet of work space to check vital signs, diagnose medical conditions, and participate in simulation childbirth. Sarah Keys, a senior majoring in nursing explains, “The eight different simulation rooms allow for hands on learning and lots of practice in a safe controlled environment before going out into the clinical setting. Each semester we spend many hours in the labs learning and practicing skills.”

There are also plans to use this state-of-the-art workspace for partnerships with groups such as hospitals, disaster response, diving programs, pharmaceutical, high school enrichment programs and many others.

Alumni are invited to enjoy the new addition to the UNCW campus during Homecoming 2011. On Saturday, February 19, all School of Nursing Alumni are invited to a complimentary reunion breakfast in the new Nursing Building for an opportunity to reconnect with each other, past professors and to tour the building. Additionally, all alumni and friends of UNCW are encouraged to participate in the “Tealin’ Like a Student: Soaring Back to School!” event that will take place later that day for a guided tour and to observe the simulation labs in action. The program will give attendees the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a current UNCW student.