Ethicon partners up with NMSU nursing
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a Johnson & Johnson company, is equipping New Mexico State University’s School of Nursing with the latest industry technology and providing scholarships to recruit talented students.
The company, which develops innovative surgical products for laparoscopic and minimally invasive procedures, has bolstered the nursing program with $72,000 since 2016, including $49,000 to create new student scholarships.
“The nursing profession is a valued and critical role in our global health care industry,” said Theresa Andazola, IT director for Ethicon, who is also a 1986 NMSU graduate. “The NMSU College of Health and Social Services’ nursing program provides degrees to many students from rural communities, and many of them return to those communities
where good health care is much needed. It is a privilege for our company to partner with NMSU to provide scholarships and equipment that will eventually aid in adding more nurses to the health care industry.”
Ethicon’s most recent gift – equipment worth $15,000 for the nursing simulation lab – is advanced audiovisual programming used to record students’ interactions with simulated patients and determine how well they respond with ways to improve. The company has also provided transport monitors, IV arms and infusion pumps for the lab.
“We’re incredibly grateful that Ethicon has been such a strong supporter of the NMSU School of Nursing,” said Alexa Doig, NMSU nursing professor. “In addition to scholarships that have provided critical financial support to over 30 nursing students, they have provided funding for new technologies in the NMSU Nursing Skills & Simulation Center. The leaders at Ethicon understand the importance of developing New Mexico’s future nursing workforce and their vision has allowed us to integrate advanced technologies into our training facility.”
According to a 2018 survey conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and The Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, 50.9 percent of the RN workforce
is age 50 or older. Within the next 10 to 15 years, that segment is expected to retire, meaning states across the U.S. will be in critical need of a qualified workforce to fill the gap.
“Ethicon is a great partner in elevating the student experience at NMSU,” said Tina Byford, interim vice president of University Advancement. “Not only does the company provide scholarships to ensure talented students can attend NMSU, but they are also investing in the curriculum to ensure that those students – once they arrive on campus – are practicing in realworld, industry settings that prepare them to fill the jobs of our state and nation.”