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Harper College's simulation hospital coordinator honored

Harper College's simulated hospital allows students to practice responding to the challenges of complex patient care in a controlled environment.

They're in extremely capable hands with Nursing Simulation Coordinator Caitrin Sobota at the helm, according to her colleagues. The Illinois Nurses Foundation agreed, naming Sobota to its second annual 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Awards.

"Caitrin has really taken the bull by the horn and gone above and beyond in her role," Assistant Professor Jeanne Leifheit said. "She embraced the position."

Sobota, the lone honoree to represent a community college, was recently recognized during an event at Rush University Medical Center that aimed to celebrate and encourage exemplar dedication to the nursing profession.

Sobota took over the coordinator position in August 2015. Despite a background focused on medical/surgical nursing, Leifheit said Sobota went out of her way to investigate and develop an excellent student experience in multiple areas of nursing and health career programs.

"Although not her specialty, Caitrin took the time to increase her knowledge and skill to be able to best support my content," said Leifheit, an obstetrics instructor. "She has done this not only for OB, but all areas of nursing."

Sobota said she was "surprised and incredibly honored" that Harper faculty nominated her. "I never thought my nursing career would take me in this direction, but I've always liked technology, and it's such an exciting field to be in right now," she said.

Harper's inclusion in the Illinois Nurses Foundation list speaks to the high caliber of instruction and graduates. Last year, three nurses with Harper ties were named recipients.

"I worked for Centegra and I've taught clinical at Loyola and Good Shepherd, and all of them love to hire Harper's nursing grads," Sobota said. "Harper has such a great reputation in the community."

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