Duncan Regional Hospital - Duncan Regional Hospital Learning Center

Overview

In October 2007, Duncan Regional Hospital (DRH) opened the Duncan Regional Hospital Learning Center (DRHLC), which includes two programs: a nursing school facility and the Hands On Health (HOH) Interactive Learning Center. The DRHLC was created to proactively combat the critical shortage of health care professionals in Oklahoma. The nursing school facility hosts students from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC). Located on the hospital’s campus, the Learning Center provides 12,000 square feet of educational space containing classrooms, an educational lecture hall, skills and computer labs, student study space, instructor offices, and some of the most technologically advanced clinical training and simulation equipment available.

Oklahoma ranks 45th in the nation in overall health of its citizens. The HOH Center, an additional 2,400 square feet of learning space, enables Oklahoma children to experience health and science in a new way, receiving a glimpse of the many health care careers available and an understanding of responsibility for their own health and wellness. Located on the DRH campus, this high-tech, high-touch facility created for students in kindergarten through fifth grade highlights a variety of health care occupations while encouraging a lifestyle that is active and full of sensible choices regarding personal health.

Impact

In its years of existence, the Learning Center has been a great resource for DRH to obtain quality nurses. In a tribute to the success of the Learning Center in August 2009, DRH was able to eliminate the use of contract nurses, which greatly reduces costs and ultimately provides better patient care. HOH provides area schools with an ideal field trip opportunity, as the curricula for tour groups are directly based on Oklahoma Priority Academic Student Skills standards.

Challenges/success factors

OUHSC was integral in the planning and development of the Learning Center, having significant experience in delivering nursing coursework utilizing distance-learning technology. The hospital collaborated with the Duncan Public Schools to develop the HOH Center. Local educators played a vital role in the planning process, helping select the exhibits and curricula for the center. The Duncan Public Schools continue to provide support for the HOH through promotion and school group attendance.

Future direction/sustainability

DRH hopes to partner with an additional school of nursing and other allied health programs in the future to provide additional higher education opportunities. The DRHLC has the capacity to help more than 150 students each year achieve their dream of becoming registered nurses. With the HOH Center being the only museum of its kind in the state, DRH hopes to continue to generate excitement about health and create a pipeline for future health care workers.

Advice to others

Effective solutions to the health care worker shortage require and benefit from the participation of all affected organizations. Involvement of state educators, from different levels, ensures that health care workforce solutions are a priority.

Contact: Cyndi Crook, CFRE
Director, DRH Health Foundation
Telephone: 580-251-8844
E-mail: cyndi.crook@drhhealthfoundation.org