Livingston Vol State Ribbon Cutting Held Thursday

Volunteer State Community College held a ribbon-cutting Thursday for the new laboratory renovations on the Livingston Regional Hospital campus.

Dean of Nursing Cassie Koester said the lab has been completely renovated to better meet the needs of the growing nursing program.

“The previous lab that was here was an old doctor’s office, so it was hard for the instructor to see all of the students in each area,” Koester said. “So when they came in and renovated they opened up the whole space so we could have a larger area for all of our students to be in here together, as needed, so the instructor could better control the environment.”

Koester said they appreciate the many groups who have participated to give nursing students a place to practice. Koester said it’s important to celebrate these accomplishments.

“Lots of people have worked so hard to make this happen, especially at Livingston Regional Hospital,” Koester said. “We really appreciate everyone involved working with Vol State to give nursing students a great place to practice in the simulation lab.”

Koester said the nurses, as well as the community, will benefit from these renovations. She said as the students graduate they will begin their work and help make their respective areas a better place.

“Our nursing students come in here and they have a chance to practice scenarios in the lab in a safe setting before they get to the clinical floors,” Koester said. “It’s a great simulation aid for them to learn.”

Koester said they are excited about the continuing growth of the nursing program.

“We would like to continue to grow and graduating these nurses,” Koester said. “We would like to see continued growth within the program to keep bringing quality nurses to the area through great partnerships with places like Livingston Regional.”