Made possible through a donation from Bill Thienes of Brenham, VR technology is an exciting new training tool that allows ADN and vocational nursing students to practice scenarios and receive instant feedback.

The equipment complements Blinn’s existing simulation programs, which include high-fidelity simulators and complex case scenarios.

Thienes recently visited Blinn at Texas A&M-RELLIS to see the technology in action and was so impressed by the students’ reaction he pledged an additional $30,000 gift to expand the program.

In addition to his gifts in support of Blinn’s nursing programs, Thienes, a retired petroleum engineer, previously established two endowed scholarships through the Blinn College Foundation.

Blinn College Foundation Chair Nancy Berry said that they are grateful for the ongoing support that Mr. Thienes has shown for the College and their students. She added that his commitment to education and unwavering generosity will benefit and enhance the lives of current and future Blinn students for years to come.

ADN Program Director, Dr. Karla Ross, believes VR technology is a valuable addition to Blinn’s nursing curriculum that will allow students to collaborate and master specific skills.

Blinn purchased 10 VR headsets and the Oxford Medical Simulation software with the original gift from Thienes. His additional pledge allows the College to more than double the number of headsets available for students to check out, similar to a library book, and practice their skills on their own time.

Blinn offers a number of nursing career options, including Certified Nurse Aide, Vocational Nursing, and Associate Degree Nursing.

For more information about Blinn’s nursing programs, visit www.blinn.edu/nursing.

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