Siena representatives were on hand when Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a bill that will allow nursing students in New York state to use cutting-edge, simulation-based learning experiences for up to one-third of their required clinical training hours.
The May 15 signing at the state Capitol featured nursing students and college administrators who will benefit from the new regulations. Lisa Lally, D.N.S., founding director of Siena’s Baldwin Nursing Program was present; Bridget Keenan ’23 stood by Gov. Hochul’s side as the bill was signed.
“I was excited to attend the signing of this bill as I personally experienced the value of nursing simulation laboratories here at Siena and in our joint program with Maria College,” said Keenan. “The learning opportunities available in a simulation laboratory are often ones you are unable to observe, let alone participate in, in a hospital clinical setting during nursing school. The scenarios utilized within a nursing simulation laboratory allow for the student nurse to both exercise critical thinking and ask questions in a safe and controlled environment.”
Nursing programs in New York can take advantage of this new flexibility as soon as spring 2024. Thirty other states also allow this level of simulation-based education in their nursing curricula.
“Simulated clinical settings feature realistic scenarios in which students must perform as a nurse, delivering health care to a simulated patient, using critical thinking and responding to the same clinical data they will use in practice,” explained Lally. “These simulated scenarios expose students to the realities of health care while enriching their learning experience through controlled environments.”
The governor and the bill sponsors, Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Queens) and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo (D-Binghamton), all praised the independent college sector’s work and collaboration with SUNY and CUNY schools on this issue.
“Our nurses have been invaluable to our health care system, especially throughout the pandemic, but too often feel overworked doing the jobs that they love, which has only been amplified by the current nursing shortage,” Gov. Hochul said. “I’m proud to sign legislation strengthening our health care workforce, expediting training and allowing more capable nurses into the workforce improving care for all and creating a safer, healthier New York.”