On Aug. 22, Congress Representative Josh Harder delivered a federal check of $3.8 million to the nursing simulation labs at Delta College.
The nursing program purchased four patient-like mannequins. The latest one purchased is a set with a mother and baby but has yet to arrive. With this modern technology, students can set up IVs, test urine samples and perform tracheostomies. Students can also track the mannequin’s breathing, pulse and heartbeat.
In the fiscal year of 2022, members of Congress can submit Community Project Funding (CPF) applications to state and local governments. The House Committee on Appropriations approves funding to help improve the environmental, transportation, health, community development and public safety projects for 2024.
Rep. Harder chose to help the nursing program at Delta to expand with a new simulation lab.
“San Joaquin Delta College gives students in our community the opportunity to transform their lives through education,” said Rep. Harder. “It’s so exciting that Delta’s Nursing Program has doubled in size — we desperately need more nurses, and this is a big win for our students and our community. I’m thrilled we were able to bring home this $3.8 million investment in Delta’s Nursing Program and it was wonderful to be able to see the expanded and upgraded Nursing Simulation Lab in action. I look forward to partnering with Delta in the future to make sure San Joaquin County’s future is bright.”
Lisa Lucchesi, the Dean of Health and Fitness, explains where funding helps with the expansion.
“There are six rooms that were upgraded with new equipment and made them bigger. The mannequins were the most expensive but one of the most critical pieces… When we train our students, we want them to get the closest nurse/patient experience. We watch the students interact with the patients and give them feedback,” said Lucchesi.
With the support of the CPF, Rep. Harder also wants the funding to expand the number of student nurses.
“Delta College’s nursing program currently includes 120 students each year – funding will support the college’s plans to nearly double the number of nursing students being trained,” according to his press release in 2023.
However, it’s not that simple.
Lucchesi was asked why the nursing program only allows a certain amount of students.
“So every program in the state of California has to have approval from the Board of Registered Nursing to run the program and they would need to approve how many students can admit. Because we are partners with our clinical sites, if we have too many students it can cause clinical impaction. We can’t displace other programs and impact hospitals and other schools,” said Lucchesi.
