WVU Nursing Academy inspires high school students to pursue careers in healthcare

KEYSER, W.Va. — The WVU School of Nursing Keyser Campus’ 2024 Nursing Academy welcomed high school students eager to explore the nursing profession. Over three days, students participated in various hands-on activities including lab experiments, infection control training, and shadowing professionals at WVU Medicine Potomac Valley Hospital.

Dr. Diana Niland, assistant professor and an instructor at the academy, shared her hopes for the program: “I hope participants walk away with a real sense of what it means to be a nurse, a clearer vision of a future in nursing, and the belief that they can succeed on this path."

Dr. Niland continued by noting the students’ transformation throughout the academy: “Seeing their initial uncertainty transform into confidence as they gain new skills and knowledge is one of the most gratifying aspects of this opportunity.”

The students not only learned practical nursing skills, such as vital sign monitoring and infection control, but also gained valuable insights into the diverse roles within nursing. They shadowed professionals, participated in career planning sessions, and explored the technological and compassionate sides of healthcare.

The academy ended with a graduation and pinning ceremony, celebrating the students' achievements and enthusiasm for a career in nursing.

“Exposing high school students to nursing early on can spark an interest that leads to a rewarding career, especially at a time when healthcare needs more compassionate, skilled professionals,” Niland said.

Participants left the program with hands-on experience, new knowledge, and a strong sense of accomplishment, ready to consider nursing a viable and fulfilling career path.

-WVU-

ap/10/24/2024

MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu