Harder Delivers $3.8 Million to Expand Nursing Program at Delta College
Rep. Harder secured funding for Delta College’s nursing program to train more nurses each year
The San Joaquin Valley nursing shortage is growing drastically while demand is expected to increase by 35% in the next few years
WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-9), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, highlighted the $3.8 million community project funding (CPF) he secured to expand Delta College’s nursing program. The money is going to enable Delta College to upgrade and expand the program’s state-of-the-art simulation labs, where students can practice their clinical training on life-like ‘patient mannequins’ and receive detailed feedback about their work. 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.
“Our families are waiting way too long to get the healthcare they need. We have to train and keep more health practitioners in San Joaquin County,” said Rep. Harder. “I am proud to bring home this money to expand Delta College’s nursing program to make sure we are training talent right here at home and getting our families the health care they need.”
"It's critical that the San Joaquin Valley has enough nurses to serve the region's rapidly growing population. This grant will allow Delta College to expand the number of nursing simulation laboratories on our campus, so that we can support our growing nursing program and help meet the community's future needs. We are deeply grateful to the U.S. Department of Education and to Congressman Josh Harder for partnering on this important project," said Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson, Delta College Superintendent / President.
Simulation-based nursing education (i.e., Sim Lab) provides students with opportunities to practice their clinical and decision-making skills through various real-life situational experiences in a safe environment. Students will be able to practice everything from setting up IVs and taking urine samples to shocking ‘patient manikins’ and performing tracheotomies. The simulators have tubing in their arms and legs so students can feel for a pulse while the manikins' chests move up and down to mimic a human breathing.
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