Engaging youth through interactive experience

The School of Nursing ended the 2022 recruitment season by engaging with thousands of 8th graders, high school, and Opportunity Youth students at the Pathways2Possibilities: P2P Central Mississippi Career Expo. Opportunity Youth students consist of students ages 16-24 from a variety of workforce development and alternative education programs. We were one of many vendors that participated in the 2nd Annual P2P Central Mississippi event. The career expo was held at the Jackson Convention Complex over a period of two days, and organizers confirmed that over 6,600 8th graders from 46 different schools attended the event.

The P2P Central Mississippi event offered in partnership with the United Way of the Capital Area, allowed younger students to discover educational, business, industry, and service areas while recognizing that every student possesses different abilities and skills and is unique in how they best learn. The event focuses on offering interactive, hands-on experiences for the students; as we want to peak their interest and not overwhelm them by just providing information. One positive interaction can open a world of opportunities to our youth!

Thousands of young students in one space asking questions can be a bit overwhelming. Our simulation team directed by Dr. Robyn MacSorley, assistant professor, joined our recruiting event to provide hands-on experience in clinical skills. Joined by Dr. Eloise Lopez-Lambert, assistant professor; Latisha Beasley, simulation coordinator; and Will Godfrey, simulation technician, the simulation team assisted students to experience the simulation of CPR, checking of vital signs, and taking blood.

Some students were fascinated by the experience and commented that the simulation cemented that nursing was something they were very interested in. Others were intrigued to find out that nursing did not always mean direct patient care and did not realize the wealth and variety of jobs available to nurses. The simulation team also answered several questions from students in regards to working in nursing and specifically in the educational field of nursing.

We had several male students who expressed that they had an interest in nursing, but were not sure about the field. We were able to share with them that the UMMC School of Nursing was just named one of the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools for Men in the U.S. by the American Association for Men in Nursing. Some of them enjoyed reading the article and were fascinated by having such an opportunity available to them so close to home. The event spurred great conversations and may lead to new students down the road!