By Gloria Gutierrez |Staff Writer|
CSUSB inaugurated the new high-tech Dr. Prem Reddy Nursing Laboratory on Feb. 3. It was named after the cardiac physician and philanthropist, Dr. Prem Reddy.
This new nursing lab was made possible due to Reddy’s $500k donation to the university.
It offers state-of-the-art nursing equipment as well as 10 medical beds each with patient simulation robots and 30 computer stations.
CSUSB nursing students will have the opportunity to practice and solidify their nursing skills in this hospital ward replica lab.
“This is a great investment and a really wonderful gift that Dr. Reddy has given the institution,” said CSUSB President Dr. Tomas Morales in an interview.
Morales presented an award of recognition to Reddy for his contribution at the ceremony.
Dr. Kirsten Fleming, the dean of the College of Natural Sciences, Dr. Dwight Sweeney the interim chair of the Department of Nursing, city representatives from the region and even the mayor of Victorville and Hesperia were present at the inauguration.
“Our nursing students are the best and the brightest,” said Fleming. “The lab allows students to get realistic practical training and importantly build their confidence without the fear of harming real patients.”
Reddy has contributed to the university since 2006 when he founded the Dr. Prem Reddy Academic Excellence Scholarship which is offered to qualified pre-med, nursing or health education students who maintain above a 3.5 grade point average.
“We are all humbled by the fine example you have set, Dr. Reddy. One that we should all emulate,” said Morales.
Nursing education is something that is highly important to Reddy and he has a “special heart” for it. He feels that without properly trained nurses the health care system would be dysfunctional.
Pamela Holland, a second quarter nursing student said, “The first tour that was given to us of the new lab was absolutely unbelievable. It is so awesome.”
“It helps us for when we are in actual real life scenarios. We can practice all we want in here so in a real hospital it won’t be as foreign,” continued Holland.
This cutting-edge laboratory is first of its kind at CSUSB and is offered to nursing students only.
Stephen Barrett, a second quarter nursing student, was chosen to give a brief discourse at the ceremony about his experience in the nursing program and his opinions on the new lab.
“It is real life application without the chance of hurting an actual patient,” said Barrett.
Reddy grew up in a small village in southern India and was the first of many generations to have the opportunity to receive a higher education.
He came to the United States in the 1970’s after graduating from a medical university in India.
Reddy has had a long road of success. He established his very first hospital in Victorville, CA.
Since then has created up to 25 hospitals in six states and also founded Prime Healthcare Services.
His donation to the nursing program proves his commitment to assist in nursing education and serving his community.
Leave a Reply