Columbus, IN — Schneck Medical Center donated four Mortara Instrument, 12-lead echocardiogram (EKG) machines to the Indiana School of Nursing (IUSON) at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC).

Schneck Medical Center upgraded their EKG machines and wished to donate the previous models to the IUSON at IUPUC for student education. The EKG machines are an invaluable part of learning in classes during Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS certification training. Also, the devices will be utilized in the IUSON second year academic program in student learning, EKG lead placement, and rhythm interpretation from Standardized Patient Actors’ heart rhythms and pre-programmed mannequins’ rhythms.    

According to the American Heart Association, “An echocardiogram is an efficient method of producing detailed images of structural abnormalities, blood circulation problems, and valve or blood vessel damage in the heart. By pinpointing functional or anatomical irregularities in the heart, doctors can diagnose conditions such as blood clots and tumors.”

Beth Sharer is the Division Head of the Indiana University School of Nursing at IUPUC. She explains, “This gift of four EKG machines, which would have cost us $40,000 new, is another example of how our regional healthcare partners support the IU School of Nursing at IUPUC. With the state of Indiana estimating 18,000 open nursing positions in 2020, these partnerships with the community make it possible to train our local talent close to home and, therefore, retain them in the region. Ninety-eight percent of nurses trained at IUPUC stay in our region. Without the support of all our community partners, our program would not exist.”

Vicki Johnson, the vice president of nursing at Schneck Medical Center, acknowledges the student value of the donation, “Schneck is proud to make this donation to enhance the actual hands-on learning for nursing students. Having access to EKG machines will foster the knowledge of cardiac care for our future nurses.”

For more information on the Indiana School of Nursing (IUSON) at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC), please visit www.iupuc.edu/nursing, call 812.348.7250 or email nursing@iupuc.edu.