BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – At Bluefield State University’s open house on Wednesday, guests got the chance to see some of the University’s plans for their nursing program coming to fruition.
One of these plans is for what was once the Bluefield Regional Medical Center, which closed in 2020. Now, around half a decade later, this building houses the university’s largest-ever sim lab, which, combined with real-world training, lets BSU students gain nursing experience before graduation.
“Simulation has become a huge part of nursing and other health educations, and the purpose is so that you kind of get to practice on a mannequin before you actually have real patient care…” explains Angela Lambert, dean of the college of health sciences at BSU.
But the mannequins aren’t the only ones being welcomed here, with future nurses signing to the school as well, before graduating high school.
It’s all part of the school’s new ‘JumpStart’ program, which gives students wanting to go into nursing an extra dose of peace of mind when it comes to their education, through early acceptance into this fall’s semester, not to mention having their textbooks and uniforms paid for by the university.
“a ‘JumpStart’ is basically just what it says; it gives them a jump start. They already… they know they’re into the program, they don’t have to worry about that, they are getting early academic counseling, so if they want to take classes early to get a jump start on everybody else, get the best classes, and, by having their books and stuff taken care of, that’s something else they don’t have to… worry about…” says Sandra Wynn, director of associate degree nursing programs at BSU.
Eleven students were selected from local schools and beyond based on their high scores. We spoke to one student who says this program is the perfect fit for students interested in nursing and Bluefield State University.
“I think it’s a great thing to do, especially for high school students. You get that early, you know, you get… early start to your career. I would definitely recommend it,” says Drake Aliff, a senior at Princeton Senior High School.
Among those welcoming the new students is Carol Wade, a BSU nursing student who graduated 1969, who worked in this former hospital on the very floor that now houses the sim labs. She says it looks different than she remembers but is a wonderful addition for future nurses.
“I’ll tell you, I’m just so thankful, just seeing that so much things that I did not have when I went to school, that these new people will know different things that you didn’t know… this is just a wonderful thing,” says Wade.
With her 42 years of nursing experience, Wade has this advice for these future nurses: show love for patients and their families, adding that she still has people thank her for her kindness to this day.
Lambert says phase two of this new facility will begin this summer.
If you would like to get more information about the JumpStart Nursing Program, you can find it on the BSU website. This year’s deadline to apply has been extended through April 18th.
Copyright 2025 WVVA. All rights reserved.