RIC’s Friday hosted a Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for a new School of Nursing Wing

Providence – This $6.3 million, 9,190-square-foot wing was funded by a $50 million bond approved
in 2012 for the renovation of three RIC buildings: Craig-Lee Hall, Gaige Hall and
Fogarty Life Science. Fogarty Life Science is the first to be completed.

Most of the simulation learning activities have moved to the new wing. There is a
simulation lab for health assessment and fundamental skills training, as well as a
human patient simulator lab, where life-like, anatomically correct, computer-driven
mannequins with physiologic responses mimic real patients. Additionally, there is a
control room with state-of-the-art equipment and computers that control the software
system installed in the simulation rooms.
Williams explained that simulation learning is the most effective way to prepare
students to take care of real patients. RIC and Yale have the only accredited
nursing school simulation labs in the Northeast.
The new wing includes offices for the dean, the undergraduate department chair and
program directors, administrative staff and the simulation coordinator/educator.
A gathering space was created in the lobby, where students can hold small group
meetings or simply socialize.

The pass rate of B.S.N. graduates on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination is
consistently above state and national averages, and RIC graduates are being accepted
to prestigious nurse residency programs in Rhode Island and across the nation.
M.S.N. graduates also continue to have high pass rates on their certification exams.
The graduate-level certified registered nurse anesthetists program was awarded the
highest level of accreditation allowed, while the school established a new Doctor of
Nursing Practice program this year and is also partnering with the Providence VA
Medical Center on a post-baccalaureate residency program.

Established in 1854, Rhode Island College serves approximately 9,000 undergraduate
and graduate students through its five schools: the Faculty of Arts and Sciences,
the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, the School of Social Work,
the School of Management and the School of Nursing. For more information, visit
www.ric.edu.