Groundbreaking set for new nursing building
Feb 17, 2009
Edison State College’s nationally ranked nursing program will soon have a new home – a two-story, 58,000 square foot building which will feature interactive, real-time hospital rooms including an operating room/intensive care unit suite, an obstetrics/pediatric suite, and a general nursing lab and a clinical nursing lab suite.
In addition to the clinical suites the nursing building will include a state-of-the-art science lab, two computer labs, general classrooms, and a multi-purpose community room accommodating groups of 300 or more adjacent to a permanent 1,800-square-foot medical history museum.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new nursing building is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at 11:00AM on the Lee Campus.
The nursing building is scheduled for completion in late summer 2010 and will be constructed as a “green building” earning LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the United States Green Building Council. This project will be only the sixth LEED certified building in Lee County.
“Edison State College has long been known for producing outstanding nursing students,” said Dr. Robert R. Jones, Lee Campus President. “Watching the nursing building come to life is the culmination of a vision, and a commitment we have to continue to meet the expanding healthcare needs of our community by providing a deep pool of talented nurses.”
Demand for qualified nursing students remains strong in Southwest Florida and Edison State College has been meeting that demand for over 40 years. Established in 1967, Edison State’s nursing program is currently ranked 13th in the nation in degrees awarded. The first class of 13 Edison nursing students graduated in 1969. Forty years later, over 300 students graduate annually, with 700 students enrolled in the program.
Beginning in the fall of 2009, in addition to its current two-year program resulting in earning a RN (Registered Nurse) designation, Edison State College will offer its RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program for students interested in earning their four-year degree. Edison State’s BSN has earned SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) accreditation, a testament to the strength of the program and quality of nursing students who earn their degree.
Also at the groundbreaking Jim Nathan, CEO and President of Lee Memorial Health System will discuss an expanded partnership with Edison State College to better prepare students to meet the rapid changes in the industry.
Last Updated: February 17, 2009
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