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Thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan, Kan. along with a $125,000 allocation from the Hays based Hadley Foundation, HaysMed will form a new collaboration with Fort Hays State University.

This new venture includes clinical simulation, skills, and assessment labs to be housed in Stroup Hall on the FHSU campus. Clinical simulation has become an increasingly valuable part of clinical practice and training. For example, life-like simulation mannequins can be programmed to create real-world situations, from childbirth to heart attacks. The simulations are very realistic and accurately recreate the environments and circumstances found in emergency departments, exam rooms, and patient rooms. The wide array of skills taught in this new collaboration will provide continuing education for HaysMed staff and training for FHSU nursing students.

HaysMed Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President for Patient Care Terry Siek said, “Healthcare becomes more complex every day, but it also creates exciting new opportunities. It is imperative that we have nurses and other clinical staff prepared to seize these opportunities. Simulation gives nursing students and experienced staff alike the opportunity to create and solve complex scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.”

This new venture ties into the stated vision of HaysMed, to be the best tertiary care center in rural America, providing a scope and quality of services not otherwise available without traveling outside the region. To accomplish this, HaysMed employs hundreds of men and women with nursing degrees, advanced degrees, and various certifications. All require continuous training to maintain their certifications and stay current with emerging research and technologies.

HaysMed Foundation Development Officer Jeff Brull noted, “An added benefit of this modern lab will be the ability to attract and retain high quality nursing and other medical professionals. People who work in healthcare have a relentless passion to help others and are drawn to opportunities to improve their abilities to do just that. We’re grateful for the leadership of both the Dane G. Hansen Foundation as well as the Hadley Foundation for their vision to continually provide for the healthcare needs of western Kansas through the initiatives of HaysMed.”