MANCHESTER, N.H.- While schools are in a mostly-dormant state during the summer months, the library at Memorial High School was buzzing with excited chatter from two dozen District middle schoolers as nurses from Elliot Health System squirted Glo Germ gel on their hands, an activity used to demonstrate the importance of hand washing.
“This is going to show us where the germs are on our hands, and then we’re going to practice washing our hands and check with a blacklight to see who got them completely clean,” said Elliot Health System nurse Sarah Vlasich.
The activity was part of Elliot’s NextGen program, presented to 21st Century summer students, a collaboration between the hospital and Manchester School District to introduce students to careers in the medical field.
“We are thrilled to pilot the NextGen program with the Manchester School District to create meaningful opportunities for students to explore nursing careers,” said Rebecca Marden, RN, MSN, CNML, CPC, director of workforce development & experience at Elliot Health System. “It is our hope that these experiences educate them on career options and inspire them to choose nursing.”
Over the course of a week, students learned everything from what to do in a bleeding emergency, how to measure blood pressure and how to use medical devices and PPE found in hospital settings. Medical professionals also explained some of the career paths available to students, the courses they should take in high school to prepare and ways to continue learning about nursing opportunities locally.
The first NextGen program was hosted by the 21st Century after school program this past spring.
“We are so excited to continue our partnership with Elliot Health Systems to help introduce our students to the opportunities available to them in the future,” said 21st Century Program Director Alex Levesque. “The kiddos love any and all opportunities for hands-on learning.”
Nurse Jessica Philbrick, a Manchester alumni, says she understands just how impactful opportunities like this can be for students.
“I started at Elliot Hospital before I graduated from Memorial,” said Philbrick. “I think it’s important to give back to the community.”
To learn more about Manchester’s 21st Century program, click here.