SUNY Empire Faculty Member Joined Governor Hochul at Legislation Signing Benefitting Nursing Students

(ALBANY, N.Y. - May, 16, 2023) Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation into law, strengthening New York’s health care workforce by permitting nursing students to complete up to one third of their clinical training through simulation experiences. Empire State University Associate Professor and Program Director for School of Nursing and Allied Health Rebecca Hegel attended the signing with Governor Hochul.

Overseen by the New York State Education Department, simulation training gives students hands-on experience in clinical environments while allowing nursing education programs to offer more options for clinical education. As New York currently faces a nursing shortage, expanding simulation experiences can help expedite training and deliver an influx of nurses where they are needed most.

“Our nurses have been invaluable to our health care system, especially throughout the pandemic, but too often feel overworked doing the jobs that they love, which has only been amplified by the current nursing shortage,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud to sign legislation strengthening our health care workforce expediting training and allowing more capable nurses into the workforce improving care for all and creating a safer, healthier New York.”