LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Area high school students got to talk to real professionals to learn more about a possible future in nursing.
Lima Memorial Health System and Rhodes State College are partnered together for the Exploring program, a free series that gives students hands-on lessons in a variety of healthcare fields.
Wednesday evening was focused on nursing, with the students trying their hand at tasks like CPR, giving shots, and first aid. For those struggling to decide what to study after high school, Exploring is a good way to learn more about the industry before deciding their next steps.
"One of the highlights will be the simulation center, so they'll be able to work with a pediatrics simulator, our infant simulator. They may have to perform CPR real-time to see if they can actually save the patient," said Angela Heaton, the Dean of Health Sciences and Public Service for Rhodes State College.
"It's important to get the students some experience before they make the decision. That way they know it's something they really love and have a passion for. And then we work on staying connected with them through their schooling to help them out," added Lauren Lammers of Lima Memorial's human resources department.
Many students are already sure that they want to go into healthcare, but the Exploring program helps them find the specialty that fits them best.
"Lima Memorial came to my school, LCC and they sat down and talked to us about the different programs they had. My mom's a nurse, my grandma's a nurse, and I've always just loved to help people so I just thought that this would be a good idea for me," said Emma Donley, a senior at Lima Central Catholic.
The next sessions of Exploring will be held in the morning and afternoon on October 27th, featuring a neurosurgery physician and a foot and ankle doctor. To learn more about the program and how to attend, visit Lima Memorial Health System's website.
