By Jill Morsbach MSN, RNC-MNN,CNE
This year marked my third year coordinating Explore RCoN, and once again, I was reminded why this program is so special. On June 15, we welcomed 17 junior and senior high school students for three days of discovery, hands-on learning, and mentorship as they explored the incredible profession of nursing.
Day one was packed with activities! We began by answering important questions: What is a nurse? Where do nurses work? How much do nurses make? Students then spent time in our learning labs practicing injections, sterile gloving, and suture and staple removal. They also completed the Stop the Bleed® course and earned certificates. A tour of the radiology department introduced students to nursing roles in imaging, but the highlight of the day was a visit from the HCA transport helicopter and neonatal intensive care ambulance, where students learned about flight nursing and the many specialized roles involved in patient transport.
Day two allowed students to shadow nurses in their preferred specialties. Popular choices included the Emergency Department, ICU, Labor and Delivery, NICU, and Oncology. Watching students experience these environments firsthand and interact with practicing nurses was truly rewarding.
On our final day, students shared stories from their shadow experiences and spent time in the high-fidelity simulation lab before celebrating with a Kona Ice farewell. 🍧
While Explore RCoN requires a great deal of planning and coordination, the opportunity to connect with these students makes it all worthwhile. Some will return next year to explore a different specialty, and some may even become future students at Research College of Nursing. Whether they choose RCoN or another path, investing in the next generation of nurses is time well spent in service to our profession—and that is something worth celebrating. ❤️
