VHA SimLEARN
Durham VA Hosts 13 High School Students from Durham Early College High School
By Mary E. Holtschneider, RN-BC, BSN, MEd, MPA, NREMT-P, CPLP
Co-Director, Interprofessional Advanced Fellowship in Clinical Simulation
Simulation Education Coordinator
Durham VA Health Care System
DURHAM, N.C. - Thirteen high school students interested in health care careers recently visited the Durham VA Health Care System (VAHCS). The students from the J.D. Clement Early College High School in Durham had the opportunity to learn firsthand what it is like to be a health care professional.
The New Graduate Nurses in the RN Transition to Practice (TTP) program, enjoyed sharing their nursing experience with the students. The TTP nurses held an interactive session demonstrating lifesaving skills, including effective CPR and defibrillation, on computerized mannequins. Additionally, they taught the students safe patient handling and evacuation methods.
One of the TTP nurses works in the Durham Community Living Center and led the group on a tour, where they interacted with Veterans and staff. One of the TTP nurses said, “programs like this in public schools are vital to give adolescents the chance to investigate potential passions, as well as learn from real world experience.”
Social workers and physical therapists also talked with the students about their roles and explained the ways they make a difference in Veterans’ care and lives every day. One student, at the end of the day, said, “I want to come back and work here some day!” The TTP nurses are pleased to provide education to encourage the students’ journey in pursuing a health-focused career.
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