Nursing

The newly-dedicated expansion of the nursing simulation lab at Illinois State University already is making a difference in the student experience, according to college leaders and students.

Illinois Wesleyan University's nursing program has rebounded in a big way. A year ago the state put the program on probation for a low pass rate for its graduates on the national licensing exam (NCLEX).

The state of Illinois has approved a $17.77 million expansion of OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington. The hospital will add 25 beds to the current 152-bed total; 10 will be medical-surgical care beds and 15 will be for intensive care patients.

Unions representing nurses in Illinois are pushing for legislation that would impose mandatory staff-to-patient ratios in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities.

Illinois Wesleyan University students were forced to put their skills to the test in the form of an escape room, the classic puzzle game with a twist.

Illinois Wesleyan University’s nursing school has received a blow to its reputation, and its accreditation could come into question. For the second year in a row, IWU has fallen below the minimum 75% passage rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Passage last year was 63%.

Bloomington-based Heritage Operations Group is selling off about half its fleet of nursing homes, and cutting administrative staff.

The Mini Nurse Academy, hosted by the Black Nurses Association of Central Illinois, is a new after-school program offered to students in grades 3-6 at Irving Elementary School in Bloomington. The program's goal is to teach students all about being a nurse, from basic first aid to what classes to take.

Illinois State University has started a partnership with a nursing school in Chicago to help fast-track students earn their degree.

The head of nursing instruction at Illinois Wesleyan University says she hopes a recent negligent homicide conviction of a nurse in Tennessee won't deter students from pursing nursing careers.