Group gathered for a photo at the dedication of the Nursing Resource CenterNRC provides students with tools to deliver exceptional patient care

Regis, a Catholic university in Greater Boston, officially opened the new Nursing Resource Center (NRC) to provide innovative learning experiences for students in its nationally recognized nursing program. The NRC is funded through a $100,000 grant by the Cummings Foundation's “$100K for 100” program.

“So many advances in knowledge and changes in delivery are in play in health care today, we’ve been comparing it to building the airplane while flying it,” said Regis President Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN. “This grant makes it possible to prepare students to be successful in their pre-licensure nursing education and transition into practice. I am deeply grateful to the Cummings Foundation and especially Carol Donovan, Regis alumna and Cummings Foundation Trustee.”

"We admire and very much appreciate the important work that nonprofit organizations like Regis are doing in the local communities where our colleagues and clients live and work," said Joel Swets, Cummings Foundation's executive director. "We are delighted to support their efforts."

Nursing students today face increasing restrictions on hands-on interaction with patients during clinical placements. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, without centers like the NRC, nurses face difficulties in their transition into practice that can gravely affect both staffing and costs.

The debriefing room is complete with video capabilities where students and faculty can review simulation exercises to critique and enhance their performance. The resource room serves as a 24/7 one-stop-shop for students, providing the most up-to-date technology and evidence-based resources available. The NRC also provides dedicated space for faculty-led small group tutoring that is proven to be beneficial to students through improved test scores.

“The Nursing Resource Center will expand our capacity to provide students with the tools they need to deliver excellent patient care by boosting their competencies and confidence in real-world situations,” said Patricia McCauley, director of Nursing Simulation and Resource Center and associate professor of nursing at Regis.

For the third consecutive time, Regis has been named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League of Nursing. Regis was the first university in New England to be given that distinction and shares that honor with only three other schools.