SCRANTON, Pa. — For students like Jemya Wilson at Penn State Scranton, a career in the medical field is a calling. The campus in Dunmore is unveiling its newly renovated library and nursing suite. The building was originally built in 1970 and needed major upgrades.
"I always had a desire for healthcare, I always knew. My first job ever was in a nursing home. I'm interested in the NICU, something mother and baby or even PCU where I work now in the progressive care unit," said Wilson.
The first floor is dedicated to the nursing program, while the upstairs library is open to students and the community.
"This space was entirely gutted and renovated with new carpet, book stacks, new furniture. We carved out the space differently so we have more study space for the students and more rooms for private study," said Jennie Knies, associate dean for Commonwealth Libraries.
The director of the nursing program at Penn State Scranton says the new space includes five simulation rooms covering different medical specialties.
"We have obstetrics, we have pediatrics, med surge, we have debriefing room where it really changes the dynamic of the nursing education in Lackawanna County and surrounding areas," said Dr. Justina Malinak.
Students already use the new technology in the simulation labs and tell Newswatch 16 that it's almost like having an actual patient.
"They are very lifelike, they feel like real life skin, they blink, you can get vital signs, you can put on oxygen, and they talk," said Wilson
"So, they practice simulation, they go in and complete a simulation, and we debrief with them afterwards so we go over what went well, what could go better next time around, and that really changes how they think going into the practice," said Dr. Malinak.
The renovation project cost $13.1 million.