Twenty-two rising ninth grade students attended the three-day Summer Nursing Camp June 7-9.
In its ninth year, the camp is a collaborative effort between MUSC and the Charleston County School District. The students will attend West Ashley, North Charleston, Burke and Academic Magnet high schools in the fall.

The camp exposes students to the different prospects of a career in nursing. On the first day of camp, the students had the opportunity to visit the MUSC Simulation Lab located in the College of Nursing. The students learned to perform blood pressure tests, suction tracheotomy tubes and start peripheral IVs utilizing the high-tech mannequins. The students, who said they were excited to have hands-on experience, enjoyed having a chance to practice common nursing skills in a realistic setting.

Registered nurse Brittany Meibers, right, shows high school student Randy Jacques how to start an IV in the College of Nursing's simulation lab.

The following day, the students listened to speakers about a variety of topics. The students learned how Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards help to keep nursing staff safe while they deliver care in the ever changing health care setting. Stephanie Chomos, R.N., described the specialty of trauma and emergency nursing. The students were able to ask questions about how nurses work in an uncharacteristic environment.

Physical therapy technician Bill Rentz explains how the Biodex isokinetic machine works to a high school student. The machine can provide passive range of motion, resistance for evaluation of strength, and for a strengthening program.

They also discussed volunteering opportunities throughout MUSC and a representative from the College of Nursing discussed the necessary qualifications needed for nursing school entry. Students were given the chance to shadow nurses in several units of the hospital, including 5E, 5W, 10W, 9E, 9W and 3W Ashley River Tower.

Several students were taken on tours through areas of the hospital such as radiology, CT/MRI imaging, cardiac catherization areas, procedure areas and the physical and occupational therapy gym. On their final day of camp, they were given a three-hour CPR training session. The students watched a virtual surgery DVD and reflected on their perception of nursing and the health care field before and after their camp experience.

Students from schools in the Charleston County School District demonstrate their CPR skills while learning about different prospects in the health care industry. Many MUSC staff members were helpful in volunteering their time and knowledge to make the Summer Nursing Camp held in June a successful event for these future potential health care workers.

In the closing ceremony, students were presented with stethoscopes donated by Cardinal Health representatives and given a certificate of completion.