HCA Midwest Health investing $34.5 million to expand Research College of Nursing

Overland Park, KS — HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, today announced a comprehensive $34.5 million investment in Research College of Nursing — the region’s largest and longest-running, single-purpose nursing institution, from HCA Healthcare. This initiative will support the college’s expansion plans, including the development and building of an innovative Center for Clinical Advancement, on the campus of Research Medical Center. A new 78,000-square-foot building, estimated to be completed in 2025 — the college’s 120-year anniversary — will better serve the community’s current and future healthcare needs, while establishing the college as a long-term regional source of nursing talent for generations to come.  

“HCA Midwest Health is proud of Research College of Nursing’s 118-year history as one of the region’s most highly regarded nursing colleges,” said HCA Midwest Health President Keith Zimmerman. “This investment is especially meaningful as not only will we help address the national nursing shortage, but we are also providing new access to education for those who dream of making a positive impact on people’s lives during their most vulnerable times.”

“HCA Midwest Health has shown the community that we are committed to the care and improvement of human life by responding to their needs, while also contributing to building strong, thriving communities. This investment in our future aligns with our mission and fulfills a significant need in our region.”

Research College of Nursing attracts a wide diversity of students and is dedicated to providing better access to education through a loan forgiveness program and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

“As an alum of Research College of Nursing myself, and now as a leader of more than 4,000 nurses across our health system, I’m so proud of the college and our company coming together to invest in our community and the future of nursing,” said HCA Midwest Health Division Chief Nursing Executive Amber Boes. “I attribute much of my success to the education I received at Research College of Nursing and the support and dedication of its faculty. So, to now play a role in transforming the college to an even more innovative education experience is rewarding and gratifying.” 

The $34.5 million project will include:   

• The creation of a Center for Clinical Advancement, which pairs modern education facilities with simulation opportunities to help clinicians bridge the gap between classroom learning and bedside care.

• Expanded capacity to plan for an increase in enrollment, while growing faculty and staff at Research College of Nursing over the next five years.
• A state-of-the-art patient simulation laboratory to prepare students for the complexities of contemporary healthcare practice.
• Technologically advanced classrooms that will provide a more engaging learning environment.
• Innovative education technology affording students the ability to achieve nursing competencies.
• Specialized design to focus on the needs of healthcare students, including small group study spaces and areas to facilitate student and faculty collaboration.

“It is a true honor and privilege to have our long-standing commitment to excellence in nursing education be recognized by this invaluable investment in our future,” said Research College of Nursing President F. Patrick Robinson, PhD, RN, FAAN. “The development of a new state-of-the-art nursing education center is an exciting opportunity for the healthcare community of Kansas City and will be a source of pride our entire college community — students, faculty, staff and alumni. It also reflects our vision of becoming the regional college of choice for nurses who desire to lead in practice, service and advocacy.”

The construction of the new and expanded facilities is expected to take 18 months.

“Research Medical Center takes great pride in our Research College of Nursing,” said Research Medical Center Interim CEO John Krajicek. “We prepare nurses for success in today’s ever-advancing healthcare environment in a collaborative and supportive manner. Together, with our foundation of more than 255 years combined, we understand the desire for future and current nurses to grow in their careers and are humbled and honored to play a role in their career success. To be part of this monumental growth is exciting, especially given the need for nurses across the country.”

The college was honored with ranking No. 1 in Kansas City, Missouri, in Nursing Schools Almanac’s 2022 report, and among the seven best nursing schools in Missouri. Additionally, the college, which recently received accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, was the first in in the region to offer the innovative Dedicated Education Unit program, now the region’s largest, spanning six hospitals within HCA Midwest Health.

For more information on HCA Midwest Health and its family of hospitals, visit HCAMidwest.com.

For more information on Research College of Nursing and its dedication to education nurses, visit ResearchCollege.edu.