SON program gives Pontiac youth a glimpse into nursing careers

A pair of Pontiac students try on pairs of stethoscopes during a recent Future Nurses Leader Academy session.

Oakland University's School of Nursing is hosting an innovative program that’s allowing students at Herrington Elementary School in Pontiac to prepare early for a future in health care.

Sixteen fifth and sixth graders are participating in the four-week Future Nurse Leader Academy, which is geared toward teaching nursing basics. The program meets Saturday mornings through February on the campus of Oakland University.

Participants experience clinical practices including pharmacology, clinical calculations, and health and wellness procedures. They also obtain CPR and first aid training and certification. In addition, students interact with nurses in a hospital setting and use the school’s state-of-the art simulation equipment to learn more about the human body and symptomology.

“Our goal is to provide these children with an opportunity to look at the nursing profession up close,” said Kristina White, an academic adviser in the School of Nursing. “In the past, the focus was on high school students, but reaching out to elementary students allows them to plan their math and science curriculums prior to their secondary education.”

Herrington Principal Pamela Ferris said she believes in exposing her students to as many careers and activities as possible. As such, she was quickly encouraged by OU School of Nursing Dean Linda Thompson Adams to get her students involved in the program.

“When Dean Thompson Adams told me about Camp RN@OU, I knew that this was something I wanted to offer our students,” Ferris said. “Not only do these students have the opportunity to visit and learn on a college campus, but they are getting a hands-on, real world experience.”
 
For more information about the Future Nurse Leader Academy, contact Kristina White at (248) 370-4482 or white2@oakland.