This summer, high school students had the opportunity to experience life as a nurse through the “Give it a Shot: Intro to Nursing Residential Camp.” For three days in June, students joined nursing faculty and staff to participate in real simulations, visit a local hospital and get hands-on experience, all while staying in Bethel University’s residence halls.
This popular camp, made possible through Indiana Youth Programs on Campus (IYPC), an initiative of Lilly Endowment Inc, doubled in size in its second year.
“Our nursing camp is a great opportunity to have fun while inspiring and connecting with high school students who are exploring careers in healthcare. It is an honor to pass along the love that we have for the nursing profession to the future generation,” says Deb Gillum, Ph.D., dean of nursing.
For many students, shadowing nurses in the hospital setting was the highlight of the camp. Pairs of two were able to observe nurses in the OB, ER, PCU, ICU, Med/Surg and Oncology units of Goshen Hospital, through a partnership between Goshen Health System and Bethel University. One pair almost got to see a baby being delivered.
“In the PCU, we were able to see a man get a feeding tube through his nose,” said one student.
Another added, “In the ER, we saw a man with a really high heart rate who ended up having congestive heart failure.”
Back on campus, students learned CPR and received a kit to take home and practice this life-saving skill. They also participated in a range of rotations, learned about how to give injections and enjoyed an “Amazing Race — Nurse Edition” game to wrap up the experience.
Students walked away with a better idea of whether nursing is the career for them.
“It was very fun and very helpful. Everyone was very nice and caring. I learned many new things and got a better understanding of nursing,” a camper said.
About Bethel Nursing
Bethel’s School of Nursing offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, as well as a bachelor of science in nursing completion program for adults. Bethel nurses are highly respected in the field, integrating faith while providing excellent holistic care. They are also excellently prepared. Bethel’s nursing program was recently ranked No. 1 in the nation and Indiana, based on the percentage of graduates passing the BSN NCLEX (national licensure exam), with a 100% pass rate for Bethel students.
About IYPC
Indiana Youth Programs on Campus (IYPC) is a new Lilly Endowment initiative designed to help Indiana colleges and universities in their efforts to create new or expand and enhance existing high-quality, on-campus programs for Hoosier youth, ages five to 18. Indiana public and private colleges and universities that have a physical campus in the state are eligible to participate. As of September 2022, the Endowment had awarded program implementation grants to 35 Indiana colleges and universities.