National Park College (NPC) highlighted the impact of its new obstetrics (OB) simulation suite prior to Wednesday’s Board of Trustees meeting, showcasing how cutting‑edge technology is transforming nursing education.
Through an Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD) grant and a generous donation from CHI St. Vincent of Hot Springs, NPC was able to build and equip a state-of-the-art OB simulation suite that enhances the students’ learning experience.
Janice Ivers, NPC Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, shared how the advanced laboring‑mother simulator is expanding access to hands‑on training for every nursing student.
“Simulation is used to bridge the gap between knowing and doing,” Ivers said. “This technology allows students to experience not only a normal labor and delivery, but also high-risk emergency situations involving the laboring mother—situations they may never have the opportunity to encounter during traditional clinical rotations.”
NPC’s OB simulator replicates a wide range of childbirth scenarios including breech deliveries, postpartum hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, and other high‑risk emergencies. The simulator is housed in NPC’s newly redesigned birthing and pediatric suites, complete with audio‑visual monitoring and a dedicated control room for faculty.
“Every single one of our nursing students will use this,” Ivers said. “All students have to go through OB, and this ensures they receive equitable education no matter what’s happening in local hospitals.”
The simulation suite augments the clinical experience by providing consistent, high‑quality training regardless of clinical availability. Ivers emphasized the broader community impact.
“I think it provides Garland County with safe healthcare workers,” she said. “You’re not an expert when you graduate, but you’ve been exposed to the full range of experiences you need to begin your career confidently.”
NPC President Dr. Wade Derden praised the nursing faculty for their leadership in advancing simulation‑based education and ensuring students are prepared for real‑world challenges.
“This investment reflects NPC’s commitment to innovation and to the health of our community,” Derden said. “Our nursing graduates play a vital role in regional healthcare, and tools like the OB simulator ensure they enter the workforce with confidence and experience.”
Ivers noted that the birthing suite may also serve as a resource for local healthcare partners.
“Whether it’s EMS, nursing, or hospital‑based staff, we would love to work together to make us all stronger,” Ivers said.
There’s a place for you at NPC. For more information, visit np.edu.