UT Tyler School of Nursing Awarded Coordinating Board Innovation Grant

December 3, 2020

UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler School of Nursing Awarded Coordinating Board Innovation Grant

December 3, 2020

Media Contact: Beverley Golden
Senior Director of Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.566.7303

The University of Texas at Tyler announced today the School of Nursing was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Nursing Innovation Grant Program.

The School of Nursing will use the funds to expand its current simulation program by training faculty and adding infrastructure and equipment.

During clinicals, nursing students are typically placed in hospitals and clinics under close supervision to refine the interpersonal and problem-solving skills necessary for working with patients. During COVID, clinical partners are responding to the pandemic and can be challenged to accommodate the student training.

“This grant will allow the School of Nursing to pivot during this time of COVID and implement a high-quality system by which our nursing students can be properly trained in patient care, while also being mindful of physical distancing and CDC recommendations,” said Dr. Colleen Marzilli, associate professor of nursing and grant project director.

Dr. Karen Walker, assistant professor of nursing, is the co-director.

A typical simulation consists of a simulated scenario in which a student provides care to patient simulation mannequins. Then students review their performance with a faculty member.

The School of Nursing already conducts these activities through its simulated hospital.

“Simulation is empowering nursing students to complete needed clinicals and coursework so they can graduate and be nurses that help serve our state during this global pandemic,” Marzilli said.

A member of the prestigious UT System, The University of Texas at Tyler focuses on student success and innovative research in the more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered to nearly 10,000 students. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News and World Report as a national university and top public university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.