Pat Chin, RN, DSc, and Bill Chin, MD, call it serendipity. A series of acquaintances led the retired nurse and physician from California to an introduction to Maddy Pearson, DNP, RN, NEABC, former head of the Brigham’s Department of Nursing, who shared a vision for building a simulation lab dedicated to nursing.
Through Pat’s experience as director of the Cal State University Los Angeles School of Nursing and the Chins’ philanthropy there, the couple has seen how simulation labs empower students with hands-on learning that mimics real-life patient scenarios and help with team building. Knowing this technology can benefit nurses at all career stages, the couple committed $5 million through the Chin Family Foundation to create the Patricia A. Chin Nursing Simulation Lab (PAC SIM) at the Brigham.
This gift and the establishment of the PAC SIM is monumental.
Pamela Linzer, PHD, RN, NEA-BCAssociate Chief Nursing Officer BWH Center for Nursing Excellence
“This tremendous gift expands training investments in nurses, who are the bedrock of the hospital’s outstanding care,” says Robert S.D. Higgins, MD, MSHA, former Brigham president and Mass General Brigham executive vice president. “The Brigham is truly fortunate for Bill and Pat’s generosity.”
Pat explains, “As a nurse and nurse educator, I want to help nurses improve their communication, technical skills, and clinical reasoning. In a sim lab, the mannequin models ask questions and give feedback, and augmented reality helps act out scenarios. It’s just incredible and improves teamwork and decision-making. The application of augmented reality will elevate the PAC SIM to a higher plane.”
The Chins’ gift will greatly expand medical simulation tools for nursing through a collaboration with the Brigham’s Neil and Elise Wallace STRATUS Center for Medical Simulation, one of the most comprehensive and technologically advanced medical training centers in the world. The family’s gift will fund two new nursing-focused, high-fidelity simulation rooms, a multipurpose conference and debriefing room, plus day-to-day and future equipment and technology needs.
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“The Chins deeply understand the complex healthcare environment and needs of nurses in delivering the best care,” says Pamela Linzer, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, associate chief nursing officer for Medicine and the Center for Nursing Excellence. “This gift and the establishment of the PAC SIM is monumental.”
Bill notes, “Our investment in nursing education through the PAC SIM will improve care for the Brigham patients and the health of the Boston community.”