Four Baptist Memorial hospitals continued their tradition of hosting high school students interested in health care careers. Through these camps, participants enjoyed many health care experiences and learned a great deal about working in a hospital.
Sixteen students completed Baptist Union County’s weeklong Health Care Academy. Participants toured nursing and clinical units at the hospital and the Baptist Rehabilitation Center. Medical professionals presented career overviews and answered questions. The students also participated in interactive demonstrations, including surgery, nursing simulation, CPR, and radiology.
“This program is an excellent opportunity for students to see firsthand the opportunities available in health care,” said Walter Grace, CEO and administrator of Baptist Union County.
Baptist DeSoto accepted 20 local high school students interested in nursing into its program. Participants learned how to take blood pressure and perform other medical tasks, toured many areas of the hospital, tried out patient lift equipment, went inside the Hospital Wing helicopter, and talked with hospital chaplain Steve Edmonds.
Baptist Golden Triangle’s fifth CRASH Course welcomed 16 students and showed them different career options in the industry, from nursing and therapy to being a doctor.
Students shadowed doctors and nurses, saw different parts of the hospital and worked with several medical professionals. Mississippi University for Women’s nursing faculty gave them tips on college applications, financial aid, studying and staying organized in college. Each student was certified in CPR on the first day of camp.
“The students really enjoyed skills day, which included a mock code, demonstrations using lift equipment, learning how to suture on chicken breasts and touring a helicopter,” said Laura Nettles, staff development specialist and registered nurse at Baptist Golden Triangle, who is in charge of the program.
During Baptist Union City’s CRASH Course camp, hospital staff showed students how they use equipment and treat patients. The students even had the chance to hold a baby.
