Connect

This is the latest installment in our Connect article series “Hope at Work” — showcasing inspiring stories about how our team members contribute to UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan: “One Future Together Health and Hope for All.” No matter where you work, you have an opportunity to inspire hope in others. These stories show how:

Sparking Young Minds

UVA Health welcomed high school students and teachers from Manassas Park High School to Prince William Medical Center for an engaging, hands-on career exploration event. Hosted by UVA Health’s Community Engagement team in collaboration with the Workforce Pipeline Development team, the event offered students enrolled in Medical Terminology a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of healthcare careers by learning about roles in patient care, healthcare support services, and hospital operations — including facility management, public safety, and materials management. 

UVA Health team members organized the event at the request of the class students and instructor. “This is an amazing opportunity to spark young minds about the vast options available in healthcare," shares April Morrison, MSN RN, Director of Nursing Profession Practice and Nursing Administration for Prince William, Haymarket, and Culpeper Medical Centers. "Going behind the scenes and interacting with a wide range of departments is incredibly impactful."

“These students may decide to volunteer or intern here," explains Rozlyn Giddens, Manager, Community Engagement. "Experiencing medical terminology in an authentic environment could lead to a future career in healthcare. We’ve had many students gain valuable experience and go on to become healthcare professionals. We plan to continue offering more student engagement events.” 

Behind the Scenes

The day began with welcoming remarks from volunteers from hospital operations departments. Students then were divided into three groups. Each group rotated through three segments ranging from experiential sessions and panel discussions to a behind-the-scenes tour of hospital departments. The event was designed to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals by giving them a closer look at the multifaceted nature of healthcare and the many career paths it offers. 

The students took part in tours of critical hospital departments. They visited three out of six departments including:

• Intermediate Critical Care Unit (ICCU), where they learned about specialized care for patients with heart conditions.
• Pharmacology, where pharmacists ensure the safe and effective use of medications.
• Radiology, which uses imaging techniques to examine the body’s internal structures.

The tour continued with a visit to the lab, where patient samples are analyzed for disease diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. Students also toured the Emergency Department (ED). And the final stop: supply chain management — which handles the reception, storage, and distribution of medical and surgical supplies by interacting with every department in the hospital. This department proved to be an excellent introduction for students uncertain about which healthcare direction to pursue.

At each stop, subject matter experts (SMEs) provided valuable insights into their fields, answering questions from the students. 

Hands-On

The groups also took part in a hands-on learning experience. They were divided into two smaller groups so everyone could participate fully in the simulations.

Two registered nurses explained the signs of a heart attack and demonstrated how to help the patient. The students then worked as a team to respond to the simulated emergency, performing compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The other half of the group was guided through identifying a stroke and assisting a patient in distress. Students gained important knowledge on recognizing the signs and symptoms of both conditions, as well as the critical care required for each emergency. 

Gaining Valuable Insights

The final segment of the visit featured a panel discussion with SMEs from various departments. Each panelist spent 10 minutes discussing their role, the importance of their work in patient care and recovery, and the education and training needed to excel in their field.

The panel included professionals from health information management (HIM), sterile processing, wound clinic and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, supply chain, clinical lab, stress lab, language services and cultural ambassadors, respiratory therapy, and echocardiography. These presentations provided the students with valuable insights into the diverse and essential roles that contribute to patient care and hospital operations.

Igniting Curiosity

As the day came to a close, the students left with a deeper appreciation for the healthcare field and the diverse career opportunities it offers. Sums up Pamela Bertone, Program Manager, Workforce Pipeline Development: "We are working hard to ensure that those interested in healthcare careers have the chance to explore opportunities early in their studies."

She adds that the event not only provided a valuable glimpse into various medical professions but also ignited curiosity and inspiration, potentially guiding these students toward future careers in healthcare. "This visit stands as a testament to UVA Health’s ongoing commitment to community outreach and education, helping nurture the next generation of healthcare leaders," says Bertone.