HSTA students receive introduction to nursing

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Health Sciences & Technology Academy (HSTA) students recently visited the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center to learn more about the possibility of nursing as a career.

HSTA is a West Virginia mentoring program that helps underrepresented high school students enter and succeed in STEM-based undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

WVU School of Nursing students taught the high schoolers some hands-on skills July 27 at the WV Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS) Center.

“It’s been nice showing them what to expect so they can make an informed decision about their career,” said Mitchell Livorsi, a student in the BS/BA to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

Livorsi, along with Sam O’Connor and Josh Bazzilla, showed the students how to take blood pressure readings, safely transfer patients, avoid pressure ulcers, and drain lines and IVs. Earlier in the week, the HSTA students learned first aid tactics, “Stop the Bleed” training, as well as how to administer naloxone, a potentially lifesaving opioid overdose medication.

“I’ve been in the HSTA program for two years,” shared Gracie Littreal, a rising junior at Oak Hill High School. “I have enjoyed this experience a lot. We learned a lot of helpful and interesting nursing points. I’ve never thought about the medical field, but it was interesting for me and I’m starting to think about it.”

Brandy Chandler, a WVU School of Nursing graduate from the Class of 1995, served as the supervisor for the HSTA students during the week-long camp. Chandler now works as a school nurse for Preston County.

“This is the first time we’ve done a nursing track,” Chandler shared. “This was a nice intro to show the kids what nurses do and what they might see.”

Christy Barnhart, Director of Simulation, said the week was a great opportunity for the HSTA students to first learn the skills, then practice them in the lab.

“This gives them a glimpse of what nursing looks like as far as hands-on care. Hopefully in the future, they’ll be applying to our nursing school.”

-WVU-

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