Caldwell University Nursing Dept. Receives George I. Alden Trust Grant

Caldwell, NJ –March 13, 2013 – Caldwell University has received a $150,000 grant from the George I. Alden Trust of Worcester, Mass. for its Nursing Skills and Simulation Laboratories to enhance its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

The grant provides the college with the ability to purchase a Laerdal SimMom manikin with newborn for obstetrics, and a Laerdal SimBaby manikin along with the equipment, software and microphones needed for this important learning tool.

“We are excited about the new additions to our simulation family. This generous grant supports and improves our ability to prepare nursing students with hands-on experiences in specialty practice areas using the latest technological advances,” said Marycarol Rossignol, Ph.D., RN, CNL, director of nursing at Caldwell.

Warner S. Fletcher, chair of the George I. Alden Trust, said “The Trust has periodically supported a number of Caldwell initiatives over the years since the early 1990’s. We continue to be impressed with Caldwell’s forward looking efforts to address many of the key issues that we see to be confronting private higher education these days. We hope that this current grant will help to further these efforts.” he said.

Pointing out that over 150 students are studying in Caldwell’s Nursing program, Dr. Rossignol says data show that the United States will be facing a serious shortage of nurses as baby boomers age and are diagnosed with chronic diseases. “Caldwell University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is at the forefront of responding to this need with preparing educated, caring nursing professionals who will be able to work in various settings with diverse populations.”

Last year, the Nursing Department received a grant from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey for the Laerdal SimMan 3G manikin.
Caldwell’s BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, a national accrediting agency.

The department offers four entrance tracks: Second Degree, RN, Traditional and Transfer students leading to the BSN degree.