Just a week before Hartnell’s new Center for Nursing & Health Sciences opens on the Main Campus in Salinas, about 25 registered and vocational nursing students volunteered their time to help get the building ready for classes starting Jan. 24.
Students unpacked boxes, set up equipment, made beds and prepped simulation mannequins,
further heightening their anticipation of attending classes and labs in the new facility
along with students in respiratory health and public health. 
Registered nursing student Brittany Sonderegger, who was helping prep a nurses’ station for the center’s simulated in-patient care area on the second floor (pictured, left, with Jennifer Orozco) said she was struck by how much it feels like a real hospital.
“I was definitely impressed by how much like a hospital this actually looks and how realistic it really feels and looks – walking in and seeing the sliding doors and the beds,” she said.
Dr. Debra Kaczmar, dean of nursing and health sciences, has asked for a large banner to be displayed in front of the building that says “Everyone Welcome” because she wants the entire college community to know that they are welcome to visit and enjoy this beautiful new facility along with the students attending classes there.
(Also pictured: Registered nursing student Alyza Valdez and vocational nursing student Mark Laranjo make beds in a first-floor simulation lab.)