Mega Doctor News
Providing nursing students with practical, hands-on experience utilizing the latest technology and devices used in the hospital setting is vital for the development and maintenance of skills required on the job. A hospital’s donation of older, but still functional, medical equipment can go a long way in helping train future nurses.
To help future nurses become proficient with equipment they will encounter in the real-world patient care setting, South Texas Health System (STHS) recently donated nearly $53,000 in medical equipment to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Nursing, giving tomorrow’s healthcare providers the opportunity to learn on modern technology they may not otherwise have access to.
“Healthcare systems like STHS are highly dependent on well-trained, highly skilled nurses, who are the backbone of healthcare, to provide quality, compassionate care to patients,” says Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Edinburg & STHS Children’s. “Since our nurses serve as a critical link between patients, families and other clinicians, it’s imperative that they’re familiar with the technology and devices used in our facilities. When nurses are familiar with that equipment, it improves their competence and confidence, allowing them to work more efficiently and safely, which improves the quality of patient care they provide.”
In total, STHS donated 21 pieces of functional medical equipment from STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s to the South Texas Health System Skills Lab within the UTRGV School of Nursing, including two ventilators, four crash carts, two patient beds, two fetal monitors, two vital sign monitors, two aspirators, one lab microscope, one infant warmer and one stretcher.
Through simulations and training exercises with the donated equipment, nurses will be able to develop and refine their technical and problem-solving skills in a safe, controlled environment.
“On behalf of the UTRGV School of Nursing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to STHS for their generous donation of medical equipment. Their support as both valued clinical partners and dedicated donors is greatly appreciated,” says Lilia A. Fuentes, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, Dean, School of Nursing, UTRGV. “This medical equipment will play a vital role in enhancing the training and preparation of our nursing students, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the healthcare needs of our community.”
In addition to the gifting of medical equipment, STHS presented the UTRGV School of Nursing program with a $5,000 check to support educational opportunities for future nurses and help relieve the financial burden that many students face when pursuing a higher education through scholarships.
”STHS’ commitment to advancing nursing education directly impacts the future of healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond,” says Dr. Fuentes. “We deeply value our ongoing partnership with STHS and look forward to continuing to work together in shaping the next generation of nursing professionals.”
As the largest integrated network of care in the Rio Grande Valley, STHS employs more than 3,500 employees across 12 facilities in the region, all committed to providing quality, compassionate care. To learn more about STHS, including its philanthropic efforts to help develop a strong healthcare workforce, download the system’s 2025 Community Profile at www.southtexashealthsystem.com/about/.
