By Jeff Samoray, OU Web Writer

Oakland University celebrated a significant milestone for the School of Nursing (SON) with the opening of its Crittenton Hospital Medical Center Multimedia Laboratory. OU administrators, students, faculty, staff and Crittenton Hospital representatives gathered on Founders' Day, April 17, to dedicate the lab and for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the lab entrance at 219 O'Dowd Hall.

"This laboratory will impact the educational experiences of each and every student who pursues a nursing degree – approximately 300 students a year and growing," said SON Interim Associate Dean Catherine Vincent in her dedication remarks. "The lab is equipped with cutting-edge learning tools that provide a myriad of hands-on learning opportunities for students to hone and perfect nursing skills."

The lab provides a real-world learning experience for students with its CD-ROM training programs and videotapes, interactive software, computers capable of running high-end graphics, and a mannequin that mimics human responses. Students benefit from the lab by practicing skills such as phlebotomy and venipuncture procedures and CPR simulation. NCLEX review software also helps students prepare for the state licensure exam.

"Many students worry about mastering hands-on skills and feeling confident enough in themselves to approach patients and provide quality care," said senior nursing major and President of the Student Nurses' Association Jenny Meitzner. "The changes that have taken place in this nursing lab are astounding and will definitely help students achieve their goals."

OU President Gary Russi also took a moment to honor the Oakland University/Beaumont Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia for being recognized as sixth in the United States in the 2004 edition of "U.S News and World Report America's Best Graduate Schools."

After the ceremonial ribbon cutting, nursing students, faculty and staff welcomed attendees and provided demonstrations of the lab equipment, such as simulator computer programs that teach students physical assessment skills for 36 possible patient problems and proper procedures for starting intravenous units.

"After graduating I'll be working at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak in their surgical intensive care unit as part of their critical care internship program," Meitzner said. "I'm looking forward to entering the professional world. My experience as an OU nursing student has left me very well-prepared."

Hosted by the Office of the President, Founders’ Day honors the memory of benefactors Alfred and Matilda Dodge Wilson, who donated 1,500 acres and $2 million to establish Oakland University. Visit the School of Nursing Web site for more information on its academic programs, faculty, and student organizations and events.