Nicholls State University recently marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Nursing Annex Building, which will serve as the future home of the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing, according to this article from Houma Today. The event took place in the Ayo Hall Parking Lot off Swanner Drive, drawing the attention and participation of various dignitaries. Among the notable speakers were Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. Kim Hunter Reed; CEO of Thibodaux Regional Health System, Greg Stock; State Senator Robert Allain; Nicholls’ Dean of Nursing, Dr. Raquel Engolio; and the university’s President, Dr. Jay Clune.

The groundbreaking ceremony highlighted the community’s collaborative spirit and commitment to both education and healthcare with this new nursing annex. Dr. Kim Hunter Reed emphasized the importance of these pillars, noting that the community actively engages in finding solutions rather than waiting for external intervention. She remarked, “This community is about collaboration. This community doesn’t say, ‘We hope someone will solve the problem.’ This community says, ‘What can I do to be a part of the solution?’ And that is a special thing. The two pillars of a strong community are education and access to strong healthcare, and those are the pillars that the Bayou Region will continue to grow and prosper.”

Greg Stock, CEO of Thibodaux Regional Health System, underscored the ultimate goal of the new facility: improving patient care. He reflected on the collaboration between the university and the health system, noting the potential impact on future healthcare professionals. Stock stated, “Our purpose ultimately is the patient. All the great people involved in educating nurses and building this facility and the process along the way all lead to the end result of great patient care. When we all met about this partnership, and I saw the interaction between all of our nurses, I knew we were on the verge of making something special.”

The construction of the new 33,000-square-foot nursing annex facility will be funded through a combination of state-appropriated funds and contributions from the Thibodaux Regional Health System. The state has allocated $20 million for this project, with an additional $7.1 million set aside for the renovation of the existing Betsy C. Ayo Hall. The new building’s first floor will feature two auditoriums and two large classrooms, while the second floor will be dedicated to nursing skills labs and a state-of-the-art simulation space. This advanced technology will enable students to practice in realistic healthcare scenarios, better preparing them for their professional roles.

Dr. Raquel Engolio expressed excitement about the future opportunities this facility would provide for nursing students. She highlighted the importance of equipping students with both the skills and confidence necessary for a successful career in nursing. She stated, “Within these future walls, we will continue to empower our students with skills and confidence – producing an even more practice-ready nursing workforce. This investment helps us increase the pipeline of registered nurses in our area, leading to a healthy, strong Louisiana coastal community for generations to come.”

The long-standing partnership between Thibodaux Regional Health System and Nicholls State University has been instrumental in providing nursing students with essential clinical experience. The health system has offered clinical space for students, enabling them to gain practical experience throughout their education. Additionally, many graduates have found employment opportunities within Thibodaux Regional, further solidifying the relationship between the two institutions.

The development of this new facility represents a significant investment in the future of nursing education and healthcare in the region. It underscores the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and healthcare providers in preparing the next generation of nurses to meet the challenges of an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

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