Fresno Pacific University has opened a renovated nursing simulation lab designed to give students hands-on experience before they begin caring for patients in real-world healthcare settings.
The CalViva Simulation Lab opened Sept. 23 at FPU’s North Fresno Campus, 5 River Park Place W. The project was made possible by a $250,000 gift from CalViva Health.
University leaders, nursing students, faculty and staff joined representatives from CalViva Health and elected officials’ offices for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening.
What does the new simulation lab include?
The upgraded facility includes an adult simulator, birthing simulator and baby simulator, along with updates to existing simulators and new technology.
The equipment is intended to give nursing students experience in environments that mirror hospitals, clinics and other healthcare settings.
During tours following the ribbon-cutting, nursing students demonstrated a simulated birth and cardiac arrest to show attendees how the technology will be used.
Why did CalViva Health support the project?
Courtney Shapiro, director of community relations and marketing for CalViva Health, said conversations about supporting FPU began about a year ago and eventually led to the investment in the simulation lab.
CalViva Health CEO Jeffrey Nkansah said the organizations share an interest in serving the Central Valley and developing its future healthcare workforce.
“We both believe in serving the Central Valley, creating opportunities for our residents and investing in the people who will become the next generation of our local healthcare workforce,” Nkansah said.
Shapiro said CalViva views the project as the start of a broader relationship with the university.
“We don’t see this as the completion of a project,” she said. “We see it as the beginning of a relationship.”
How will the lab help Fresno Pacific nursing students?
FPU President André Stephens, Ph.D., said the investment is intended to help students develop the skills and confidence they need as healthcare professionals.
“Together, we are investing in more than facilities and academic programs,” Stephens said. “We are investing in students who will become skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.”
Michelle Bradford, Psy.D., dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, said the renovated lab allows students to practice care before working with real patients.
The facility also gives students a setting where they can make mistakes safely, ask questions and develop clinical skills, nursing student Danae Gatewood told attendees.
What does the investment mean for the Central Valley?
The project connects nursing education with the region’s healthcare workforce, with both FPU and CalViva leaders emphasizing the preparation of students who may eventually serve patients in the Central Valley.
Nursing student Mia Buller said the investment also sends a message to students that their education and future work are valued.
“This gift tells us that we are believed in. It tells us that we are seen,” Buller said.
The opening concluded with student-led tours and live demonstrations of the simulation technology, while CalViva officials described the project as the beginning of an ongoing relationship with Fresno Pacific.
