News and Updates

CHS nursing students tour SGSC

Over sixty Coffee High School students toured their way through the South Georgia State College Nursing program on September 11th.  CHS students were given hands-on demonstrations led by SGSC School of Nursing faculty and students.

CHS Students had the opportunity to experience a situation ripped from the headlines with a simulated Ebola outbreak taking place in the Simulation Lab on SGSC’s campus. Led by SGSC Nursing faculty members, the high schoolers got the opportunity to dress out in protective clothing and enter a simulated hospital room with a mock patient in order to learn the best way to treat a patient with a communicable disease. Students were able to interact with the patient, as well as monitor life signs and answer questions regarding the patient’s condition. CHS student Rhett Thomas said he “enjoyed the Ebola patience scenario. It was cool dressing up in the personal protective equipment.”

Students were then given the opportunity to walk through some of the nursing labs where SGSC students led interactive demonstrations of every day nursing activities: how to start IVs, how to administer insulin, how to properly insert catheters, as well as how to insert breathing tubes. The high school students were eager to jump right in and work alongside the college students. Dr. Scott Thigpen, dean of the School of Nursing, stated: “It is truly amazing to observe the level of engagement of the CTAE students in the hands-on nursing skill stations. The students were very focused on each task and demonstrated professionalism in each learning activity.”

The high school students demonstrated their knowledge of nursing by answering questions about hypothetical situations, and many expressed their interest in healthcare and nursing as career options. CHS Senior Brittany Bullock said it “was a wonderful experience for me, and reinforced my decision to pursue a career in healthcare,” while Desjambra Thomas said that her “career goal is to become an RN so the campus tour [and demonstration were] really a blessing.”

Students were also treated to some fun student activities hosted by Bekah Glosson, Student Engagement Coordinator, and Sharon Komanecky, Director of Campus Life. The high schoolers got a chance to experience team building through activities such as Pocket Scavenger Hunt, and the Numbers Game, where student must work together to arrange themselves in the numbered order called out. These activities help students planning on entering the healthcare profession by illustrating the importance of listening and teamwork.

For more information on SGSC’s School of Nursing, visit www.sgsc.edu.