“Make good choices” is the adopted motto for Health Science Careers, and it is declared before the students leave class every weekend. Partly humorous, but in actuality very earnest, it exemplifies how a student should be a role model in each aspect of their lives, not just taking on a temporary state when in the classroom.
This group’s success relies a lot on the friendships and examples of character they set for each other.
The Health Science Careers program for Northshore School District high-school students that is held at Woodinville High is a multi-period course. At the end of the year, each student will earn official Washington state certifications and become certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Both males and females are enrolled.
Taught by Kathleen Dearborn, registered professional nurse, and Patti Greene, licensed practical nurse, the students first learn about basic human anatomy and physiology, common diseases and a number of hands-on skills required of CNAs like medical asepsis.
With many years of experience in both nursing and teaching this program, Dearborn and Greene instruct not just on technical skill and knowledge, but of the utter importance of compassion for patients and their dignity that can often be overlooked in the health-care field. Two of the most important lessons of this course that the students learn is to make others work up to their standard, and to be patient advocates.
During the second semester, the students are then sent to an internship at a local nursing home for several months, and then rotations in areas of their interest at other major hospitals for the last six weeks of the school year. This is where they finally put their skills to work in the real world and explore different careers in the medical field.
This is an amazing experience for high-school teens, yet it is largely due to the examples of the students who came before them that proved their professionalism and maturity to the working world. Year after year, they step up to the standards of the program, and put in all their efforts to provide quality care for their patients while learning priceless work ethic.
Additionally, since the Health Science Careers class focuses on promoting well-being and a sense of humanitarianism, it doubly serves as the Community Service Club. Students are required to fulfill 20 service hours per semester, but many complete more. They are involved with numerous local organizations like Woodinville Parks and Recreations, Food Lifeline and Homeward Pets. Whether being involved in Special Olympics, raising community awareness about breast cancer or volunteering at nursing homes, they are more than willing to reach out and help others in good spirit.
Finally, at the end of the school year, by passing a written exam and a state-regulated skills evaluation, the students receive their Washington State Nursing Assistant Certifications. There is also an additional optional tech credit, which was offered free this year, going through either Bellevue Community College or Lake Washington Technical College. Students coming from the Health Science Careers course also have automatic placement in Bellevue’s competitive nursing program. Students get a major head start both at school and in work experience.
After spending over two hours together every day, it’s inevitable that everyone merges together as a real team. They all experience off-days and support each other through, and witness moments of brilliance and encourage each other further. The Health Science Careers program strives to bring out the best in each student and spread the word about health and positivity to the community.
Lea Shim is a participant in the Health Science Careers program.
