Thirty middle and high school students got to experience a day in the life of Florida State University nursing students through a special event set up by the FSU College of Nursing and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend.
“We are so excited to welcome students to the College of Nursing,” said Jing Wang, dean of the college. “With a critical nursing shortage in the state of Florida and nationwide, this is a pivotal time to expose young people to pathways toward a career in nursing.”
During the April 5 tour, faculty members Veronica Brewer and Carla Dormeus showed Boys and Girls Clubs students the simulation lab. Here, nursing students experience a variety of scenarios to provide hands-on patient care in a safe environment and apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.
“The simulation demonstrations and tour of FSU’s College of Nursing enabled our students to learn about careers and the resources available to them,” said Kacy Dennis, CEO and president of Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend. “Showing our youth what is possible for a meaningful career can inspire them to new heights and motivate them to study hard and fulfill their dreams for work and life.”
Staff from FSU’s Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement and the Educational Talent Search/College Reach Out program as well as representatives of the College of Medicine’s Science Students Together Reaching Instructional Diversity & Excellence (SSTRIDE) Program shared resources about the pre-collegiate programs available to middle and high school students. The SSTRIDE program is specifically geared toward students who are interested in science, engineering, mathematics, health or medicine.
“FSU is committed to helping students be successful in college and recognizes the importance of intervening early,” said Stacy Spencer, program director for Transition and Outreach in FSU’s CARE department. “FSU spearheads several programs to mentor middle and high school students in Leon and Gadsden counties to help make the students’ dreams of attending college a reality.”
FSU pre-collegiate programs have served students in Gadsden and Leon counties for more than 30 years. Last year, 100% of the students enrolled in the FSU Upward Bound Program at Gadsden County High School completed high school and were accepted to college. Of those students, 79% enrolled immediately into postsecondary programs while others pursued career or military opportunities.
This tour was made possible through sponsorship by Prime Meridian Bank.
For more information, visit https://nursing.fsu.edu/.
