The Next Generation of Care: Career Camp at St. Joseph’s Hospital

The first St. Joseph’s Hospital Career Camp gave local ninth and 10th grade students an opportunity to learn hands-on about the different careers in the hospital. The three-day camp included lectures from hospital staff, tours of various departments and interactive classes.

Students arrived at SJH eager to begin their camp experience filled with unique perspectives of different hospital departments that contribute to the quality care we provide.

A typical day included lectures and interactive activities that mirror daily tasks of a hospital team member. A labor and delivery simulation gave students the opportunity to feel a prosthetic womb and decide if the “patient” was ready to give birth.

“I honestly came here to see if I’d be interested in the medical field at all because I really don’t know anything about it,” said Cora Woodard, student.

An “escape room” exercise showed the students all the tasks completed by a nurse in a regular shift, teaching them how unpredictable it can be for nurses on staff. Behind-the-scenes tours gave students opportunities to see parts of the hospital that patients and visitors rarely see, including the operating room and cath lab. They also toured an ambulance and the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Mobile Medical Clinic.

“The experience showed us what actually happens in a hospital,” added Zaria McKenzie, another
participating student.

The camp also featured non-clinical positions that help run the hospital behind-the-scenes. From the HIM department to EVS, the instructors showed how team members all work as a team to care for patients and visitors.

“We are currently in a shortage, and I think many of our colleagues are too. It’s not just nursing,” said Kristin Ellis, a nursing professional development practitioner. “That’s why the camp includes different careers in the hospital, not just clinical departments.”

“Most kids think of doctors and nurses when they think about a career in healthcare and while those are two very important positions, there are many other roles available that they could consider, some that may never even have contact with a patient,” said Melissa Menke, a clinical professional practice manager.

With a nationwide shortage of healthcare workers, SJH is proud to take a proactive approach and inspire the next generation. St. Joseph’s Career Camp was funded by donations made to the St. Joseph’s Foundation.

St. Joseph’s Hospital
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