Introduction to the World of Nursing

The profession of nursing is an attraction for many people who are interested in health care and who desire the unique relationship that nurses have with patients. This interest is of particular importance for young people completing their high school education as the shortage of practicing nurses continues given the low enrollments of college students into nursing programs. It makes sense that we offer encouragement to students in the process of making their career and education decisions.

DHMC has been a key player in nursing education since the late 1800's with the inception of its own diploma nursing program which began in 1986 and ended in 1980 when the trend of nursing education moved into the college setting. Several area nursing programs provide their students with clinical experiences at DHMC. The institution has an opportunity to participate in another area of nursing education by introducing high school students to the vast opportunities that exist within the profession of nursing.

Concept Outline

1. Participants

1. DHMC Nurses

1. Nursing Education/Practice Associate
2. Med-Surg nurse
3. Administrative
4. Critical care
5. Other specialties

1. Dialysis
2. Oncology
3. Anesthesia
4. Informatics

1. Recruited because of expressed interest in meeting with high school students

1. Students

1. Must be high school age
2. Express an interest in nursing
3. Come prepared with a list of questions and/or objectives for attending the session.

1. Area high school guidance counselors

1. Have received a copy of the experience description
2. Help identify students who are seeking such an experience
3. Facilitate travel arrangements for students
4. May attend an Introduction to the World of Nursing session
5. Facilitate the sign-up for students to attend.

1. Scheduling

1. Office of Professional Nursing has compiled a list of DHMC nurses interested in participating in the process.
2. Sessions will be conducted on an on-going basis when there are students who have signed up for it.
3. The length of time may vary depending on the interest of the group, but generally will last 4-5 hours.
4. This program will be "mobile"---the Nursing Education/Practice Associate could be available to visit high schools to speak with students interested in the profession of nursing as part of a seminar or career day.
5. A session will be scheduled when there are at least 2 students committed to attending, but the maximum number of students in a group will be 4.

1. Interactional Experience

1. Session will be planned in advance to meet both student and medical center staff schedules.
2. Students will first meet with Peter Nolette for an overview of the profession including review of current types of programs. (mention Dare-To-Care depending on whether it's up and running)
3. Students will tour areas that are not actively engaged in patient care, including an unoccupied med-surg patient room and possibly in the Birthing Pavilion.
4. Students will meet with pre-arranged nurses based on student interest and nurse availability for didactic sessions.
5. Peter will meet with students again for wrap-up and Q & A period.
6. The experience length may vary but anticipate 4-5 hours total.