BUCKHANNON — This July, WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital is set to host the West Virginia Junior Nursing Academy, offering an invaluable opportunity for rising 11th- and 12th-graders, including home-schooled students, to immerse themselves in the world of health care.
Libby Stingo, Director of Education at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, highlighted the academy’s unique offerings.
“The Junior Nurse Academy provides an opportunity for students to experience the various aspects of health care,” Stingo said. “This includes nursing, radiology, respiratory therapy and other health care roles. While shadowing, they can observe what these various roles entail. I have been a nurse for 35 years, and I find it to be a very rewarding career. I can’t see myself doing anything else!”
To accommodate more students, the academy will offer two sessions, with applicants able to choose between July 15-17 or July 29-31. Participants will spend three days engaging directly with nurses and other health care professionals, gaining a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at various nursing careers.
The program includes rotations through different hospital departments, providing exposure to the multifaceted nature of nursing. Additionally, students will receive training in CPR, vital signs, basic first aid, interview and resumé skills and care of the newborn.
Skip Gjolberg, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Hospital, said the hospital is thrilled to host the Junior Nursing Academy, which many young people have enjoyed in the past.
“We love hosting this junior nursing academy to plant the seed in younger people of interest in a possible health care career,” Gjolberg said. “We also hope it inspires them to want to come back home to St. Joseph’s when they’re ready to start their career and become a nurse, a radiologist, a physician or whatever health care area that piques their interest.”
Meals, snacks, and scrubs will be provided to all attendees.
The application deadline for the academy is July 7, 2024. Interested students or guardians seeking more information can contact Kenna Riddle at kenna.riddle@wvumedicine.org or call 304-473-1573.
