Kim Blankenship, RN, Mary Black School of Nursing Sim Lab Manager, facilitated
the lab activity, which enabled HCA students to participate in simulation
experiences. The partnership with the University Center gives students an opportunity to
work with faculty, staff, health professionals and students to receive relevant
up-to-date information, knowledge, and skills that are being disseminated and
practiced in post-secondary classrooms and clinical settings. Simulation affords students the opportunity
to be exposed to reality-based scenarios that will be a part of their healthcare
practice in the future and gives them a chance to practice physical assessment
skills.
Ashleigh Godby, an 11th grade student at Riverside High
School, said that the lab experience was “very fascinating, and I am so
thankful to have the opportunity to get a real look into the hands on aspect of
medicine. Even learning the basics gave me an assurance of my interest in
medicine. I’d recommend this kind of lab to anyone who has any sort of interested
in a career in medicine.”
Tai Marie Dennis, an 11th grade student at Woodmont High
School, also the lab experience, “I enjoyed the lab. It made me want to go into
nursing even more.”
Students participated in an overview of vital signs and IV therapy. In
the process, they learned about improving communication, cultivating nursing
skills, understanding classroom material, developing critical thinking and
facilitating teamwork.
For more information about the Health Careers Academy or simulation
activity, please contact the Upstate AHEC Health Careers Program Coordinator
Nita Donald at ddonald@upstateahec.org.