Sanford Bismarck Donates OR Beds to Bismarck State College
Sanford Bismarck has donated three operating room (OR) beds to Bismarck State College (BSC), providing surgical technology students with hands-on learning opportunities in a realistic clinical setting and strengthening the future healthcare workforce in North Dakota.
The donation enhances BSC's Surgical Technology program by giving students access to equipment commonly used in operating rooms, helping them build the practical skills and confidence needed before entering clinical environments.
"At Sanford Health, we are committed to investing in the next generation of health care professionals," said Todd Schaffer, M.D., president & CEO, Sanford Bismarck. "By providing these operating room beds to Bismarck State College, we're helping students gain valuable hands-on experience that will better prepare them for careers in surgical services and ultimately benefit patients across our region."
The OR beds will be incorporated into several areas of the program's curriculum, allowing students to practice essential skills in a realistic surgical environment.
"Experiential learning is critical to student success in surgical technology," said Mikayla Atchison, assistant dean of Current and Emerging Technologies, Bismarck State College. "These operating room beds will allow our students to train using equipment similar to what they will encounter in hospitals and surgical centers, helping bridge the gap between the classroom and clinical practice."
The donated equipment will support:
Mock Surgery and Clinical Skills Practice: Students can participate in simulated surgical procedures in a realistic operating room setting.
Patient Positioning: Students learn how to safely position patients for a variety of surgical procedures.
Patient Prepping: Students practice preparing patients for surgery while following established clinical protocols.
Patient Draping: Students develop skills in handling and applying surgical drapes while maintaining a sterile field.
Patient Transportation and Transfers: Students learn safe patient transport techniques, emphasizing communication, teamwork, proper body mechanics and patient safety.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment between Sanford Bismarck and Bismarck State College to develop highly skilled healthcare professionals and address workforce needs throughout the region.
"As healthcare continues to evolve, strong partnerships between providers and educational institutions are essential," said Dr. Schaffer. "Together, we're creating opportunities for students to learn, grow and ultimately serve their communities with excellence."