OUZ invests $1.7 million in nursing program

ZANESVILLE - Though not entirely equipped, two new clinical labs in the Ohio University Zanesville nursing program are making the learning experience far more realistic. 

"We have more life-like equipment that more closely approximates what you'll see in an acute care setting," said Pamela Sealover, associate director of nursing at OUZ.

The labs are part of multi-million dollar state appropriated project, that began in December, to renovate Herrold Hall.

"I believe we have spent about $1.7 million on the phased project so far," said Dr. Jeremy Webster, campus dean. "I think it gives you a sense of how much we value the nursing program, that we made it the top priority."

The project began with reducing the size of the campus library to make room for two large skills labs, a storage room and a hallway. 

"The new labs give students a much more clinical feel than classroom feel," said Carol Schaumleffel, nursing lab coordinator.

New technology in the skills lab makes it easier for nursing students to learn patient care.

"Before you had an instructor at the front of a classroom demonstrating catheter insertion, for example, and students in the back struggling to see," Schaumleffel said. "With new wall mounted monitors, everyone can see what is going on."

The OUZ nursing program offers a two-year associate degree program and a four-year bachelor degree program. It serves students from Muskingum, Coshocton and several neighboring counties. 

Dr. Webster said they also have several students who come from Columbus to get their nursing degrees.

It is estimated in the next five years the need for registered nurses will reach more than 1 million nationwide. 

The need is brought about due to the increase in senior population. The Bureau of Labor Statistics project a 75 percent increase in the senior population in the next decade - meaning one in five Americans will be a senior.

Sealover said they work very closely with Genesis HealthCare System to help fill their need for nursing staff. In return, Genesis is very supportive of the OUZ nursing program.

"We received some funding through Genesis for additional simulators," Sealover said. "We do about 80 percent of our clinicals at Genesis."

More renovations will take place over the next year, with classroom space moving from upstairs to the same location as the new labs. 

"We are very proud of our program," Sealover said. "We have a high pass rate for the state board test. Adding this equipment, which will simulate real life critical situations, will enhance the student learning experience even more."

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