Funds will provide summer learning opportunities for high school students interested in healthcare careers.
Teaneck—Holy Name Medical Center’s Institute for Simulation Learning (ISL) was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation for its Healthcare Careers Discovery Program. The funds will be used to provide summer learning opportunities for high school students interested in healthcare careers through the Healthcare Careers Discovery Introductory and Advanced Programs offered at Holy Name Medical Center’s Institute for Simulation Learning.
“We’ve designed the Healthcare Careers Discovery Program to be a hands-on, immersive learning experience for high school students,” said Cedar Wang, APN, CHSE, director of simulation education at Holy Name Medical Center. “It is the perfect opportunity to introduce the many possible career paths in the healthcare field. Students have the chance to figure out if it’s really what they want to do before they make a serious commitment of time and money.”
According to Modern Healthcare, 5.6 million more healthcare workers will be needed by 2020. This is quickly representing the fastest growing employment sector in the US economy. While there is great employment potential in the future, high school students are not often exposed to the myriad opportunities available in the healthcare industry. Holy Name Medical Center has devised a multi-level program both to introduce career options and to train future healthcare providers through its Healthcare Careers Discovery Programs. Students gain entry into the program by competitive application based on merit and there is a fee for participation. In 2017, those unable to pay the fee may apply for scholarship funding generously provided by the Walmart Foundation.
Eighty students are expected to attend the 2017 Summer Healthcare Careers Discovery Program, and an active learning environment that combines classroom and hands-on experiences to prepare the participant for a successful future in the healthcare profession. The ISL will offer two weeks of the Introductory Program and two weeks of the Advanced program, serving 20 students each week.
“We are proud to support Holy Name Medical Center and its program, which provides summer learning opportunities for high school students interested in healthcare careers.?” said Jennifer Hoehn, director, public affairs and government relations for New Jersey. “The programs speaks to both our commitment to healthy communities and creating opportunities for our neighbors.”
The Introductory Program is the first level, accepting 20 students at each of two one-week sessions. Interactive sessions include classroom, clinical observation and simulated experiences introducing the students to various professions and skills. Experienced medical professionals share skills and experiences with the students during clinical observation times. American Heart Association (AHA) CPR/AED certification is included along with the opportunity to simulate taking blood pressures, giving injections, starting IVs and responding to emergency situations. Additionally, career development strategies are presented by Holy Name’s Human Resources Department including interviewing skills, interpersonal communications and resume writing.
The Advanced Program is open only to those students who have completed the introductory program the previous summer. Applicants are selected for this program in the order their application is received. Participants engage in focused activities to prepare for their future careers. Building on Basic Life Support Certification from the introductory program, they earn AHA Healthcare Provider basic life support certification, which is often required prior to entering education in a healthcare-related field. Students are matched with providers in their field of interest as much as possible and spend intense time learning with these professionals. Access to Holy Name’s Medical Library Resources allows students to learn more about what they are experiencing and witnessing each day. Roundtable discussions enable participants to share their knowledge with one another. Students engage in simulated patient encounters to further hone technical, interpersonal and communication skills. New skills are introduced with hands-on demonstrations. Finally, students leverage their participation in the Advanced Program when applying for scholarships, honors programs or college entrance by creating a professionally produced video brief as a unique demonstration of poise and scholarship. A videographer/media specialist supports the production of a unique video for each individual participant outlining the program and including an individual interview for each student.
High school students who are residing in northern New Jersey and interested in learning more about a career in a healthcare-related field can apply by visiting http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eds090skdd82d457&llr=ivqtfgiab
To learn more about the Healthcare Careers Discovery program at the Institute for Simulation Learning at Holy Name Medical Center, visit http://simulationlearning.org/events.asp.
