Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN)

Client Profile

The mission of the Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) at Illinois State University (ISU) is to provide a quality education for professional nurses. Mobilease Modular Space worked with the ISU facilities team and DLR Group Architects to build a 9,600 sq. ft. Nursing Simulation Laboratory at MCN. The outcome is a building design that successfully incorporates a working hospital environment into a university laboratory.

Client Challenge

Healthcare in the US is becoming more complex and causing critical shortages in the nursing field. At the same time, many colleges are facing challenges finding qualified staff members and using outdated instructional methods. Illinois State University realized these challenges and created a new state-of-the-art learning center in response. Modular construction was selected to accommodate a project budget and schedule with 50% lower sq. ft. costs and 67% less for design and construction time than conventional methods. The new Mennonite College of Nursing Simulation Lab now includes up-to-date equipment with top clinical simulation experts providing training in a virtual hospital environment with high fidelity patient simulators and the latest technology.

The Mobilease Solution

A state-of-the-art learning center was created for students to develop the skills they will use in clinical practice. Students encounter patient simulations, which are as close to real-world nursing interactions as possible. Labs mirror hospital nursing stations, patient rooms and doctor’s offices. There are two-way mirrors and video capture capabilities to allow for real-time feedback to students. The facility features: high quality interior finishes, (4) classrooms, (4) patient simulation areas, (20) patient exam rooms and (3) staff offices. The modern exterior includes: Kawneer aluminum framed, fixed glass windows and exterior doors as well as Hardipanel® exterior siding. A significant focus was placed on energy efficiency and 15 SEER, Energy Star roof top HVAC units were installed creating substantial savings in annual utility costs.