67 high school seniors from 22 school districts packed Stroud Hall on Wednesday, September 21 eager to learn more about the nursing profession. With a schedule full of speakers, activities and tours, the students were ready to start the day.

They learned about the different levels of nursing, the areas where they can work, and salaries that come along with those careers. Individual speakers included an OB Nurse, a Hospice nurse from the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House a CRNA, representatives from the UAMS College of Nursing and ASU College of Nursing. Students toured the hospital making stops in Radiology, ER, Labor and Delivery, and the Lab. At each stop a health care professional spoke about who they are and what they do. During our clinical sessions, students learned about Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate, and Respirations and chronic disease throughout the area. They also received a hands-on CPR and AED training session.

Ranking 4.95 out of 5, the tour of the hospital was one of the students’ favorite activities according to their evaluations. The OB Nurse and CRNA came in second with an average score of 4.89, with the Hospice Nurse ranking third at 4.61.

All students say they are more inclined to pursue a career in nursing after this program. One student described the program as “Awesome and very helpful!” She writes, “I am more inclined to pursue a health career because now I have a better view on what to expect in nursing.” Another said, “This program was very helpful and very informative. I am more inclined to pursue a career in nursing because I was very inspired by this program and today’s speakers.” And another writes, “I am more inclined because I came here today undecided about whether or not I wanted to be in the medical profession. And after today I am 100% positive that I will be in the medical field!”

Overall, this program proved to be a great chance for these high school seniors to learn more about what health careers are out there and how they can better prepare themselves for the career of their future.