YLK CLASS #32 SEPTEMBER SESSION

Youth Leadership Kearney Class #32 experienced the careers that build the Health Science field. We started our day at New West Orthopedic and Sports Rehabilitation Center. During this time, we heard from a panel of professionals from the PT, OT, and speech departments. These professionals shared about their journey of how they got to where they are today, along with offering advice as to how to reach success in the medical field. Hearing from this panel helped us to better understand the behind the scenes of these professions as well as touring the facility. During the tour, we learned about different tools that are commonly used in the OT workplace. Some of these tools involved utensils, weights, shoelaces, etc. While in the OT department we were given a demonstration of the splint making process which was really interesting. Moving on, we toured the PT department and saw their pool simulation along with weight rooms and much more. Hearing from the PT professionals expanded our knowledge as to what simple or complex exercises go into the treatment of each patient. Touring New West was a great experience and extremely informative about health science careers within the outpatient clinic setting.

At the University of Nebraska Medical Center Health Science Education Center, we took a tour of the brand new 3-Story health care training building, that has advanced simulations that are technology rich to help support collaborative learning across many disciplines. We got to see multiple student resources, practice hospital and OR rooms, and classrooms. We participated in an exam-like escape room game, that is used to simulate real-life cases for the students. After the escape room game, we went down to another simulation lab with all kinds of learning tools such as the SAM; Student Acusulation Manikin, Anatomical models, medical instruments and more. This opportunity allowed us to experience the incredible resources that we have right here in Kearney!

The group ended their day at Good Samaritan Hospital with a group of guest speakers and a short tour of some of the facilities. During the presentations, we heard from the owner of Vitality Clinic which is a monthly subscription to his services with discounted medication prices. He taught us the importance of building connections along with being smart enough to understand the medical system and the needs of others. We also heard from members of CHI administration. These members informed us about the mission of the hospital along with how staying involved can help build attraction for employers. While at CHI we toured Radiology, Cath Lab, EMS, and the ER. This tour showed us parts of the hospital that most people don’t see or understand. Having this tour was beneficial for those interested in Health Science as they were able to see some potential fields of interest. Our session at CHI taught us about careers inside a hospital and the possibilities for anyone who has passion toward something!

-Written by Hailee Jasnoch