The Institute for Nursing Excellence gives New Jersey nurses hands-on experience
LIVINGSTON, New Jersey (WABC) -- They are the life-saving skills every medical professional should know.
At a new state-of-the-art facility in Livingston, New Jersey, some nurses now have a chance to brush up on those skills.
"The Institute for Nursing Excellence started because we felt we needed to upskill our nursing staff," said Mary Beth Russell, RWJBarnabas Health.
RWJBarnabas Health previously offered orientations at each of its 12 hospitals, but leadership wanted to standardize instruction across the system.
The institute addresses gaps in training caused by the pandemic when nursing students joined the frontline.
Plus, now there is more hands-on training.
Previously, nurses had to imagine an emergency situation during training. Now, they have new technology that brings the patient to life.
In just under an hour, Eyewitness News Reporter Crystal Cranmore had the chance to learn the basics of CPR using a high-tech mannequin, to putting on personal protective equipment.
"When they actually see the patient they've already done the skill had practice so they can be experts," Russell said.
While the program launched in February 2023, it wasn't until December that this facility opened up putting all the technology and resources under one roof.
More than 6,000 nurses have been through the program which includes picking a specialty.
Jumar Porfido switched from the ICU to the OR.
"My favorite thing about this is we get to have a sit down with educators where we highlight strengths," Porfido said.
For Russell, one of the leading creators of the program, this is about better preparing nurses.
"To have a nurse who is skilled and passionate is essential," she said.
The training continues for an ever-changing industry.
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