Miracle Riders Hit the Road for Nurse Education

• The Miracle Riders, an organization of motorcyclists, is revving up to raise $1 million for an Ohio university’s pediatric nursing program. 
• The Ohio-based organization has held rides to raise funds since 2021. 
• Most of the funding has gone toward technological advancements and simulation labs.

An organization of motorcyclists is revving up to raise $1 million for pediatric nursing education programs. 

The Miracle Riders, based in Ohio, partnered with Columbus State University to raise awareness and funding for a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) simulation lab, according to a university news release. 

The motorcyclists will cover 9,500 miles over 21 days and hand-deliver letters in a Pony Express fashion to pre-selected people along the way. 

The Miracle Riders Relationship

The Miracle Riders began their partnership with the university in 2021 but didn’t begin holding rides until the following year. To date, they have raised $600,000 through donations and corporate sponsorships, the release stated. 

That funding has gone toward: 

• Robotic mannequins and other technologies for the university’s inaugural pediatric health simulation lab. 
• Similar technology to establish the mother-baby simulation lab. 
• A new NICU simulation lab.

President Stuart Rayfield said during an event earlier this spring that the Miracle Riders are the “greatest group of men” he has ever spent time with.

“For Columbus State to be affiliated with them is our honor and our privilege,” Rayfield said. “I want to thank these guys; their heart for Columbus and every child in our community means everything to Columbus State. We are the lucky beneficiaries of their hard work and devotion.” 

Simulation in Nursing Education

Speaking to the Ledger-Enquirer, Rayfield said the money raised by the motorcycle group this year will continue to go toward equipment and simulators for nursing students. 

“It is critical for them to have these mannequins, if you will, that are very lifelike, to be able to practice on and to get their techniques right so that by the time we send them into a hospital for their clinical placements, they’ve had some real experience on as like a human as possible,“ she said. 

Several universities across the United States have, or are in the process of building, simulation labs.  

Kelly Foltz-Ramos, director of simulation at The University at Buffalo School of Nursing, recently detailed the myriad benefits of the technological advances for nursing education. She cites the ability to provide a safe practice environment, realistic patient scenarios, and an active learning and engagement approach among the positives. 

“High-tech simulations can better prepare students for real-world health care settings by helping to develop critical thinking skills, decision-making abilities and clinical judgment,” she said. “Not only can this increase the flow of new graduate nurses, but it can also contribute to better-prepared graduates entering the nursing workforce who have increased confidence and readiness to provide safe and effective patient care.” 

The Bottom Line

A yearslong venture by a motorcycle group to raise $1 million for the Columbia State University pediatric nursing program continues this year with a cross-country ride. The Miracle Riders began their fundraising efforts in 2021 for technological and simulation equipment to bolster nursing curriculum. 

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