High school students find AU's Nursing Summer Camps to be a "cool" experience

MANSFIELD, Ohio – Cool, fun and wow – Ally Elkins used these words often throughout the first Experience Ashland University College of Nursing Summer Camp on Friday, July 14.

And several times she rose her arms in the air and enthusiastically responded, “Yes,” when she was allowed to try something in the simulation center.

“This is a lot more hands-on,” Elkins said when comparing AU’s nursing camp with another one she attended earlier this summer.

That camp also didn’t have a visit to a hospital like Ashland’s did when it moved to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital in the afternoon to see nurses at work.

“The goal is to have an event to incorporate the whole campus,” said Henry Stanford, associate director of enrollment and undergraduate admissions for the Dwight Schar College of Nursing & Health Sciences, before July 14’s camp. “One day here to experience nursing and a second day on the main campus to experience the health sciences (dietetics and exercise science).

Stanford said this first year is “a pilot run” for future camps for students who will be entering their senior years in high school. A camp also was scheduled on Wednesday, July 19.

When the second health sciences day is added, Stanford said attendees can pick to attend both days or just one of the days depending on their interest.

“We’re customizing this for the students, going back to the university’s motto, Accent on the Individual,” Stanford said. “We’re accenting the student, giving them what they want.”

Elkins will be entering her senior year at Reynoldsburg High School in the Columbus area this fall. She said she has had an interest in nursing since ninth grade and wants to work in trauma nursing.

“All of the nurses I’ve had in my life have been very sweet to me and made an impact on me, and I’m hoping I can someday do the same thing,” she said.

On the simulation center’s adult manikin, Elkins was able to experience nursing doing chest compressions, taking pulse readings and even putting in a catheter.

She also got to experience similar things with the two OB manikins, the faculty members have named “Ruby” and “Elaine.” After students go through a simulated birth, they get to name the “baby.” Elkins named hers “Clara.”

Two full-time clinical education faculty members led Elkins on her nursing experience in the morning of the camp. They were Alli Lowry, who also works “as needed” at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, and Ashley Christman.

Because Elkins showed a lot of interest in the camp, Christman said they kind of let her lead the way, doing the simulations she wanted to do.

The camp started with Christman, Lowry and Juanita Reese Kline, associate professor, talking with Elkins about the Ashland University College of Nursing program and getting Elkins excited about the doors a bachelor’s degree in nursing can open.

“As a Registered Nurse, right out of the door after you pass your licensure exam, you will be highly sought after,” Reese Kline said.

The Ashland University College of Nursing staff believe their summer camps will be the start for those who want to pursue a career in nursing and health sciences and truly find out if it’s for them.

“It’s one thing to say ‘I’m going to be a nurse,’ and another thing to actually do it,” Stanford said. “This allows them the chance to actually experience what a nurse does.”