Provide one example, with supporting evidence, of a career development opportunity provided by the organization for non-nurse employees or member of the community interested in becoming a registered nurse. This example may include community partnership activities. Thompson is committed to developing a pipeline of new registered nurses through partnerships with local schools. It is our belief that bringing students into the healthcare environment is the most effective way to provide 'real life' experiences to those interested in pursuing careers. This can be in general health care or nursing specifically. We have used a number of strategies over the years. The most recent is the Career Exploration Day. This day provides local high school students with an opportunity to explore healthcare and spend time in the clinical areas with our own internal experts. The program flyers were circulated to the local high school with registration forms attached. In 2013, the Health Care Careers day attracted 12 high school students interested in a career in nursing. The agenda for the day was as follows:
Registration
8:30 am
Introduction and Blood Borne Pathogens Training
9:00-9:45am
Department Session 1
9:45-10:30am
Bryant and Stratton-social networking presentation
10:45-11:15am
Department Session 2
11:30am-12:15pm
Lunch
12:15-12:45pm
Emergency Medical Services/Mercy Flight group 1
12:45-1:30pm
Emergency Medical Services/Mercy Flight group 2
1:30-2:15pm
Department Session 3
2:30-3:15pm
Wrap up, question and answer mixer with departments
3:30-4:00pm
The students had the opportunity to tour the Laboratory and Pharmacy. Nursing-related sessions were conducted in the Emergency Department, Obstetrics and in the nursing skills laboratory. Exhibit SE5.1 addresses assignments, schedules, code of conduct, workplan, dress code, confidentiality agreement and health assessment for all students involved.
Participants:
Marc Herbert, MS, RN Clinical Nurse -Emergency Department, Department of Nursing Deborah Jones, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, PLNC Director of Obstetrical Nursing-Obstetrics, Nursing Administration, Patient Care Services Adrian Hordon, MS, RN Clinical Nurse Educator/Magnet Project Director, Nursing Administration, Patient Care Services Tina Culver, BSN, RN, CWPC, Manager Family Health and Wellness, Associate Services
The Director of Obstetrics, Deborah Jones, introduced students to the clinical arena. In discussion groups she engaged the students in exploring the many roles employed in the delivery of health care, from ancillary services through professional positions. She described how many associates begin their health care career in an ancillary role and transition through the educational processes required to achieve a professional position. The students were introduced to the gamut of health care opportunities including technical roles, respiratory and physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, and medicine. Deborah then focused on nursing and the myriad clinical venues available to the registered nurse. She shared her own experience of transitioning from one specialty to another throughout her career, and explored several nursing specialties with the students. She presented information about the role of the nurse in medical and surgical nursing, intensive care, obstetrics, pediatrics, research, and academics. The students expressed considerable interest in nursing and asked many questions about the educational requirements and opportunities.
Tina Culver, the Manager of Family Health and Wellness, engaged students in the use of "Sim-Man", the advanced simulation mannikin employed for nursing education and competency assessment. Tina had the students hands-on performing blood pressure assessments, she displayed different cardiac rhythms, and described the role of nurses in the management of changes in patient condition, rapid response, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
Marc Herbert, MS, RN, introduced students to the role of a nurse in the Emergency Department (ED). He demonstrated the use of ED equipment, even attaching a cardiac monitor to some of the students so they could observe their heart rate. Students were able to view the Mercy Flight helicopter and discuss the role of the registered nurse in stabilization and transport of critically ill patients.
At lunch, following the event, the nurse facilitators had the opportunity to engage with the entire group of students, who continued to ask questions and express interest in nursing. Several students indicated that the program showed them a wide variety of opportunities in the profession.
Exhibit SE5.1
Exhibit SE5.1a Career Day Session Assignments 2013
Exhibit SE5.1b Career Exploration Schedule 2013
Exhibit SE5.1c Career Exploration Day "Dress Code" 2013
Exhibit SE5.1d Health Assessment Form 2013
Exhibit SE5.1e Career Exploration Day Confidentiality Agreement 2013
Exhibit SE5.1f Career Exploration Workplan
Exhibit SE5.1g Career Expo Email REMINDER