Scout Out Nursing Day introduces young people to nursing profession
Dressed in period nursing costumes, Gina Woody, co-chair of the Scout Out Nursing committee, provides instructions to nursing student Catherine Steed. (Photos by Conley Evans)
By Elizabeth Willy
College of Nursing
More than 90 Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts received an introduction to nursing during the fifth Scout Out Nursing Day, held April 11 in the College of Nursing at East Carolina University.
“The job outlook for nursing is exceptional and we hope that this event will allow the scouts to see the many opportunities the career of nursing has to offer,” said nursing professor Dr. Gina Woody. Woody was co-chair of the event’s organizing committee with fellow faculty member Bob Green.
Dr. Robin Corbett, a family nurse practitioner in the nursing graduate program, gives the scouts a primer on first aid.
Approximately 80 volunteers participated, including ECU nursing students, faculty and professional nurses. Attendees visited stations where they participated in hands-on demonstrations such as CPR and first aid.
A nursing history station featured volunteers in period costumes designed by the ECU School of Theatre and Dance, under the direction of theatre arts professor Cybele Moon. At another station, retired Air Force nurse and ECU nursing professor Phil Julian explained military nursing, while two nursing students played the role of patients resting on gurneys.
A simulated operating room featured nurse anesthesia faculty and students in full scrubs and surgical masks, along with a breathing, blinking and talking mannequin on the operating table. First aid topics were explained in a station set up like a campsite, with mannequins suffering from wounds sustained in a wooded environment.
Troop leaders and parents said they appreciated the opportunity to observe health care through their children’s eyes. Vidant Edgecombe nurse Jennifer Cooke said the event was an ideal way for her 7-year-old son to take a look at her profession.
“We came so he could see not only what I do when I’m at work, but also so he can explore some of the opportunities that are there for boys in health care,” she said.
Hosted by the ECU College of Nursing and the Beta Nu chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Scout Out has educated more than 500 kids since its inception in 2007.
Scouts ask questions in the operating room lab with Dr. Maura McAuliffe and nurse anesthesia students Natalie Tyson and Lisa Foxworth.