FIU STAR Center

Cutting edge simulation education. Coming soon to a simulation center near you!

Virtual birth simulator becomes advanced teaching tool A new teaching tool helps medical specialists prepare for what can happen during difficult births.

Proud of STAR Center Alumna Natalie Aponte shining at Mercy Hospital.

“Rounding is important to me because it is the only way to really know what is happening on the floor and connect with patients on a personal level. I like to find out if there is anything special that we can do for our patients beyond what their doctor has ordered. Sometimes something that seems simple can make a huge difference in the patient experience.

For example, I was speaking with a long-term patient of ours who said that she had been craving a pepperoni pizza and we ordered one for her right away. It was small act for us but really helped make the patient’s day. Any way that we can connect with our patients helps them feel like their time with us is more than just a hospital stay, it is something more comforting.” Natalie Aponte, Nursing Director of Mercy Hospital’s Medical/Surgical Unit.