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The new nursing school at Northwest Connecticut Community College serves not only as an opportunity for students and hospitals in northwestern Connecticut, but also the realization of president Barbara Douglass’s vision.

“The highlight today was introducing the students,” said Douglass. “It’s really happening.”

The grand opening ceremonies, held Friday, attracted not only supporters from throughout the community, but also the halls of government. State Rep. John Larson, who had just won his seventh term in office representing the 1st Congressional District, addressed the inaugural class, as well as state Sen. Andrew Roraback, R-30th, and state Representatives Michelle Cook, D-65th, and Roberta Willis. D-64th.

“When you look at the shortage of nurses, you see how vitally important this program will be,” said Larson. “That’s what makes working with our community colleges so important.”

Although a federal grant helped push the school into fruition, community support serves as the foundation, according to Douglass. Sharon Hospital and Torrington’s Charlotte Hungerford Hospital served as significant donors, offering a total of $300,000 in donations as well as beds and opportunities for students to perform clinical work at each hospital. “I had little ladies walk into the office and give me $5,000 checks,” said Douglass, who added that 75 percent of Northwest Connecticut Community College’s faculty and staff have donated to the program.

The curriculum and facilities are on par with nursing programs at other community colleges in Connecticut. Connie Hotchkiss, the academic division director of nursing, attested to the statewide common curriculum, as well as how rewarding the new school is for her on a personal level; Hotchkiss remarked that “it’s very satisfying,” adding that “I get to make an impression on the students at the entry level.”

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community, students and employers,” said Hotchkiss. “We’ll be a great feeder for those hospitals, who have all offered support to be clinical sites.”

Students will also get the chance to gain experience before working on live patients, thanks to Vital Sim and SimMan mannequins. Hotchkiss described the Vital Sim mannequins as “medium fidelity,” with functional respiratory and circulatory systems. Students can catheterize and intubate the mannequins as well. “It really allows them to practice their skills in a safe environment,” said Hotchkiss.

The SimMan system, meanwhile, offers a fuller experience. The system consists of a computer-controlled mannequin with many of the same capabilities as the Vital Sim mannequins. However, the greater degree of control offers more complicated scenarios, such as sudden cardiac arrest. Additionally, the mannequin can function as a bit player in other situations, where the purpose is to handle situations with a simulated doctor via telephone. All of these abilities are meant to offer real-world scenarios without putting live patients in danger. According to Laerdal Medical representative Shaun McGovern, this system is in use at most medical and nursing programs in the state.

"Northwestern’s committed to having the best nursing program in Connecticut,” said Hotchkiss.

That program will fill a need in northwestern Connecticut. Thanks to the cluster of hospitals, as well as the nature of the nursing industry, there are available jobs for students — and statewide, the demand for jobs is only matched by the supply of interested students.

Douglass said that there were over 350 students on the waiting list to get into nursing programs in Connecticut community colleges, and that by opening the program at Northwest Connecticut Community College, students can stay within the area. Cook addressed what sort of impact this would have, noting that her own daughter went to school in Rhode Island before moving to Boston for work.

The chance to get an education, as well as a job, without having to leave northwestern Connecticut was appealing for Cameron Corbin, a member of the nursing Class of 2012.

Corbin, who attended Northwest Connecticut Community College for her prerequisites, attended the ceremony with one of her children on a sling, and spoke to the advantages of a local program.