Corvid Hall simulation centre opens new nursing lab

Advanced training spaces for nursing

Wrenford Polytechnic is opening a new simulation lab inside the Corvid Hall simulation centre on March 16, 2026. The new space gives nursing students in the Practical Nursing program more hands-on training opportunities before they enter clinical placements.

The lab is located on the second floor of the Corvid Hall building at 1500 Benchlands Drive. It includes three simulation rooms with mannequins that respond to vital signs, medication administration stations, and private debriefing rooms for student reflection.

"This new lab allows our students to practice complex care scenarios in a safe environment before they work with real patients," said Celeste Okonkwo, dean of the School of Health Sciences. "It brings our training closer to what students will experience in hospitals and long-term care facilities."

The lab will be used by Practical Nursing students in their second term. Students will practice skills like patient assessment, medication management, and emergency response. The space also supports the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which starts in September 2026.

Construction on the lab began in January 2026. The project was funded through the college's capital budget and a grant from the provincial government for health education.

"Having access to this kind of technology makes me feel more confident about my future career," said Maya, a Practical Nursing student. "We can make mistakes here and learn from them, which is exactly what we need."

The lab is open to all health sciences programs. Students can book time in the simulation rooms through their program coordinator. The simulation centre also offers workshops on patient safety and clinical communication.

The School of Health Sciences is located in Corvid Hall on the Benchlands Campus. For more information about nursing programs, visit the Practical Nursing page.