For over three decades, Eastern Oklahoma State College and The Puterbaugh Foundation of McAlester have partnered to ensure the college provides top-tier nursing instruction and graduates have the most advanced training and experience possible to enter the workforce. The Puterbaugh Foundation provides annual scholarships to approximately 14 nursing students each year, as well as funds for each graduate to pay for the National Council Licensure Examination.
In addition to its annual support of nursing scholarships, The Puterbaugh Foundation gave a dedicated $306,000 donation last year for equipment and technology upgrades in the nursing skills labs located in Wilburton, McAlester and Idabel. EOSC purchased new clinical simulation manikins to train nurses for scenario-based patient care, defibrillator simulation machines, IV training arms and pumps, as well as Foley catheter kits, gloves and dressing supplies. The donation also supports a retention specialist within the college’s nursing program who provides coaching and mentoring to students to alleviate obstacles to academic success.