CMC receives $125,000 from Google to enhance nursing training

Colorado Mountain College recently received a $125,000 grant from Google to be used to support three nursing simulation labs that are part of CMC’s nurse education program at the Spring Valley, Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge campuses.

In the same grant cycle, Google also awarded St. Vrain Valley School District, headquartered in Longmont, $125,000 to support the district’s Pathways in Technology Early College High School program.

“Google is proud to support the efforts of these institutions to advance career readiness in Colorado with innovative technology solutions,” said Javier González, Google’s interim head of government affairs & public policy for the Southwest region. “Google has had a presence in Colorado for over 15 years, and we look forward to continuing our local partnerships to create a greater impact within the state.”

"Colorado Mountain College's leadership in addressing the nursing shortage across Colorado communities is critical to our healthcare system,” said Julie McCluskie, Colorado House District 61 state representative. “I am grateful for Google's investment in their nursing program and new simulation laboratories, which provide a realistic educational experience for our students and reduces costly travel to distant training sites.”

Expediting Colorado’s response to the nursing shortage

As part of addressing the shortage of registered nurses in Colorado, Colorado Mountain College is applying Google’s $125,000 donation to the CMC Foundation’s Rural Nursing Success Fund Capital Campaign that is funding the three new high-fidelity nursing simulation labs. Set in life-like healthcare environments, simulation labs bridge the gap between skills labs and theory coursework and are proven to foster the critical thinking, self-confidence and quick reflexes necessary to prepare students for the clinical environment.

“The experience that Colorado Mountain College’s nursing students are receiving as a result of Google’s generosity is an important part of establishing countless health care careers,” said Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, CMC president and CEO. “CMC is so grateful for Google’s support in bringing these state-of-the-art training labs and true to life mannequins to our students and to our rural mountain resort communities.”

More nursing students will be able to complete up to 50% of their clinical hours in the simulation lab, reducing the need for costly travel to distant training sites. Additionally, more ESL/GED students will be able to receive training in medical interpretation.

For more information about Colorado Mountain College’s nursing program, visit https://coloradomtn.edu/programs/nursing/