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August 11, 2003

Nursing Department Receives Oxygen Monitoring Equipment

The clinical skills laboratory for nurses at Augustana College's Department of Nursing has received a donation of state-of-the-art oxygen monitoring equipment and additional educational resources valued at more than $5,000.

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) have partnered with Nellcor to donate advanced-technology Nellcor pulse oximeters and educational resources to 125 schools of nursing in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

The donation provides Nellcor N-395 Pulse Oximeters and educational materials to schools selected by AACN and AONE. Each selected school will also have access to the expertise of Nellcor's field-based team of hospital clinical consultants. Pulse oximeters are routinely used in critical care units and increasingly in many other patient care areas. Pulse oximeters offer a cost-effective way to measure a patient's heart rate and the amount of oxygen in the blood without needing to pierce the skin.

"In a time of scarce resources and increasing demands upon nursing education, this kind of gift from nursing practice organizations and technology manufacturers demonstrates a shared commitment to the preparation of nurses for the future," says Dr. Margot Nelson, professor of nursing and chair of the Department of Nursing at Augustana. "We are extremely grateful."

"Clinical education has been a cornerstone of our company for over 20 years," says Chris Jones, Nellcor vice president of marketing. "We are proud to support the nurses in every stage of their careers ­ from education to clinical practice."

"This program is a classic demonstration of how professional organizations and industry can work together to create a lasting impact," says AONE Preisdent Rita Turley.

"At a time when the entire healthcare continuum is strapped for resources, generosity like Nellcor's is sorely needed," says AACN President Connie Barden. "We were frankly overwhelmed by requests for technology and training materials and are pleased to accommodate 125 nursing programs with this initial donation."