Commonwealth Credit Union celebrated the opening of their new branch in Richmond, Kentucky with a gift announcement of $550,000 to Baptist Health Foundation Richmond to build on nursing excellence at Baptist Health Richmond through high-fidelity simulation. 

“We are beyond grateful for the incredible generosity of Commonwealth Credit Union,” said Kari Martin, director of Baptist Health Foundation Richmond. “Their gift will absolutely transform the learning and development experience of our nurses and clinicians, ultimately making for an even better experience for the patients we are fortunate to serve each and every day.”

The gift will provide high-fidelity simulation manikins and technology, which enhances clinician best practices by strengthening and advancing skills and competency in caring for patients. Simulation allows the acquisition of clinical skills through hands-on practice and creates an environment for making “safe mistakes” which has proven to have many advantages over traditional classroom education.

“This tremendous gift and support from Commonwealth Credit Union will allow our organization to rival that of the larger teaching institution in providing simulation practice opportunities, through advanced technology, to build on the existing competence, confidence, and clinical excellence of our entire healthcare team as we strive to fulfill our mission and vision,” said Mendy Blair, DNP, vice president and chief nursing officer at Baptist Health Richmond. “It is truly a dream come true for all of us at Baptist Health Richmond, for which I am eternally grateful.”

Five high fidelity simulation manikins representing varying types of patients – a newborn, baby, child, adult and obstetric (laboring) patient will be purchased in addition to providing the opportunity for the current simulation lab to be physically transformed into a dynamic and engaging learning space. 

The collaborative relationships with local nursing schools such as Eastern Kentucky University, Berea College and Bluegrass Community & Technical College will also strengthen the support for nursing student education.

“Building on the positive effects of our donation to the Baptist Health Foundation Lexington, it was only natural to extend our support to Baptist Health Richmond,” said Karen Harbin, President & CEO of Commonwealth Credit Union. “We view health as the first step to wealth and the cornerstone for a flourishing community. We are honored to contribute to an initiative that enhances healthcare quality for our community now and for generations to come.”

The newly renovated lab will be named the Commonwealth Credit Union Experiential Simulation Lab in honor of the credit union’s impactful gift. 

“I am truly amazed at Commonwealth Credit Union’s generosity,” said Greg D. Gerard, president at Baptist Health Richmond. “When we first met to discuss our desire to enhance the training our nursing and clinical staff experience currently, it was met with much enthusiasm. Commonwealth Credit Union, like the hospital, knows that our success is solely dependent on those that work within our facilities, whether it be banking or healthcare. Having a clinical team that provides the very best care possible requires that our staff are continuously trained using the latest technology. This gift will allow us to do just that as the training will replicate real-world scenarios, mimicking the physiological and psychological responses of patients.  Our high-fidelity simulation lab will enhance clinical skills, teamwork, decision making, and patient outcomes.  In the end, our community can trust that they will receive the very best care in their time of need. Commonwealth Credit Union is a wonderful community partner committed to making a difference in the communities they serve.”

To learn more about nursing excellence at Baptist Health Richmond or to apply to join our team, visit BaptistHealth.com/Careers. 

To learn more about how you, too, can make a difference in the life of Baptist Health Richmond and our community, visit SupportBaptistHealth.org/Richmond or call 859.625.3939.