MISENHEIMER – Pfeiffer University dedicated the Department of Nursing’s newly renovated and recently opened space in Harris Science Building during Homecoming weekend. The facility, located on the building’s second floor, includes state-of-the-art patient simulators, classrooms and an observation room from which faculty may program realistic patient-care scenarios for students to respond to in preparation for clinical training.
During the ceremony, President Michael C. Miller announced that Stokes Construction of Albemarle, the project’s contractor, had donated $25,000 to the nursing program, earning a naming opportunity for one of several new faculty offices located on that floor. Stokes Construction joins a number of other individual, corporate and foundation donors whose names appear throughout the space. They include alumni and friends Harold (’63) and Mary Earnhardt Eagle (’64), Richard Sloan (’54), Don (’62) and Tina Walser, Board of Trustees Chair Dave and Elaine McIlquham, Bear Insurance Services, Alcoa Foundation and Walter G. Canipe Foundation.
“Stokes Construction is an important and longstanding partner of Pfeiffer University,” said President Miller, making reference to the fact that the original construction for Harris Science Building was completed 50 years ago by the previous generation of the Stokes family. “Our collaboration makes it possible for Pfeiffer students to pursue their educational dreams in a high-quality environment.”
Since its introduction in 2009, Pfeiffer’s bachelor of science in nursing program has become one of the university’s most popular majors, with an enrollment this fall of 81 pre-nursing and nursing students. The first class is due to graduate in May 2013, while next week, members of the class of 2014 will receive their white lab coats in a ceremony on campus as they begin their clinical training.
The nursing program is one component of a broad plan to expand Pfeiffer University’s presence in the health sciences and continue to play a significant role in the region’s workforce. The department recently was awarded a Hallmarks Healthy Workplace designation from the North Carolina Nurses Association. This achievement, recognizing workplaces statewide that have created positive work environments for nurses, marks the first time a nursing education program has been given this distinction. Previously, it was reserved for hospitals and other healthcare facilities where nurses provide direct nursing care.
“We’re thrilled and honored that Pfeiffer University is considered an exemplar in offering a positive working environment for nurses,” said Dr. Dianne Y. Daniels, chair and associate professor of nursing. “It creates an affirmative outlook as we anticipate accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and as our first graduating class prepares to sit for the state boards examination.”