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The grant was used to purchase a variety of items for the program, including IV infusion pumps, SimScreen Panels, ECG equipment and carts for medication and storage. Much of the equipment has enhanced simulation exercises in the nursing labs. 

“Attracting and retaining quality healthcare professionals is vital to our mission to improve lives and build stronger communities through better health,” said Melissa Hansen-Schmadeke, executive director for the Springfield Memorial Foundation. “This grant ensures future nurses, many of whom we hope join us someday at Memorial Health, will be trained on the latest simulation equipment in a hands-on environment.”

Pre-clinical training in the lab offers students the opportunity to practice in a simulated clinical setting where they can strengthen critical-thinking skills, learn from mistakes and receive immediate feedback. Such experiences provide a safe and controlled environment for nursing students to practice technical skills and build upon lessons learned in the classroom.

"This grant will provide crucial support for the growth of the clinical nursing program at ������ý,” President Barbara A. Farley said. “We are thankful for our partners at Springfield Memorial Foundation and Memorial Health System. With their support and collaboration, this initiative will provide workforce development for well-qualified healthcare professionals in west-central Illinois.”

������ý announced the addition of a four-year clinical nursing degree program in April 2020. The program has quickly grown to enroll more than 100 nursing majors and pre-nursing students, and is expected to continue to expand. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

In addition to the nursing major offered on the Jacksonville campus,  ������ý also offers a RN to BSN program and master of science in nursing degree.

secures charitable gifts, identifies needs and provides funding through grants that support patient care, education and research throughout Memorial Health and the Springfield community. The Foundation’s vision is to improve the health and well-being of the populations it serves.

To learn more about nursing at ������ý, including IC’s online programs, visit .