TAPPAHANNOCK, Va. – The summer was not all play and no work for some local high school students who took part in two week-long Health Career Immersion Camps held at VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital. Students were exposed to a wide array of health careers – from nursing to physical therapy and respiratory care to radiology. Students spent time rotating through several hospital departments, including:
- Emergency Department
- Radiology
- Operating Room
- Laboratory Services
- Pharmacy
- Rehabilitation Services
- Cardiopulmonary
Students engaged in a number of hands on demonstrations, learning to do ultrasound imaging, wrap wounds, inject medications and use a stethoscope to listen to the heart and lungs. They also interacted with team members in each department, learning about possible career paths, the daily responsibilities in each area, and the necessary qualifications for each role. The camp experience was designed to provide an inside look at the teamwork and collaboration needed for health care teams to deliver high quality and compassionate patient care.
The final day of camp included a luncheon celebration where parents were invited to join student campers to hear a recap of the activities from the week and to watch as all the students were recognized and received BLS and Stop the Bleed certifications. In addition, students and their families learned more about the career development resources available through their local high schools in collaboration with camp partners from VCU Health’s Workforce Development and Strategy office, Rappahannock Community College and the Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board.
