Grant to Update Nursing Instruction
SANBORN — Niagara County Community College received $335,043 in federal money Tuesday to help bolster its nursing program with updated medical technology training.
"The money will be used for advanced and state-of-the-art technology needed to prepare the current nursing work force. It also will support the efforts of the Nursing Workforce Program to develop innovative education for nursing students, and training for nurses and nursing faculty," NCCC President James P. Klyczek said.
He said the goal is to help provide Western New York nurses who are trained in new technologies so they are able to meet the demands of an ever-changing health care system. It will help NCCC’s nursing program focus on integrating more advanced technology into nursing education so nurses can apply that training in the field.
The money was provided through the efforts of Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds, R-Clarence, who was on campus to present NCCC officials the award.
"We are very grateful to Congressman Reynolds," said Klyczek. "He worked diligently to secure the funds to help strengthen our nursing program."
Klyczek said the money, from the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, is important.
"We need more advanced technology to help NCCC stay ahead of the curve on keeping our nursing program on the cutting edge," he said.
Reynolds said the money will help ensure that Western New York has clinical training sites for nursing students.
"In addition," he said, "it will encourage job growth and give our nurses the tools they need to provide patients with the most advanced health care."
Klyczek said the money is essential because studies have shown that by 2015 there will only be enough registered nurses in the state to meet less than 80 percent of New York’s health care needs. That percentage is expected to drop to 70 percent by 2020.
NCCC is working in conjunction with Niagara University, Kaleida Health of Western New York, Catholic Health Systems of Western New York and a number of other hospitals and medical centers in Niagara, Erie, Orleans and Genesee counties to help meet the health care needs of the region.
pwestmoore@buffnews.com
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