High School Students “Test Drive” Nursing
More than 60 Hawaii high school students and their parents toured the UH Manoa School of Nursing facilities and learned about the High School Direct Entry into Nursing Program (HSDEN) on Saturday, September 28, 2013.
The program accepts students to the School of Nursing directly from high school. The student completes the nursing prerequisite courses in the freshman year as well as a seminar introduction to the discipline. The student progresses to nursing courses as a sophomore and is on track to graduate with the BS degree in four years. Designed for Hawaii high school students, the Program is a cohort model that supports students through their nursing education from start to finish.
Students who attended the “Test Drive” event were welcomed by the School of Nursing Dean Mary G. Boland who shared her insights into the profession and perspective for a future career in nursing in Hawaii. Students and their parents toured the UH Manoa Translational Health Science Simulation Center to see the use of technology and simulation training in nursing education. Student Ambassadors, selected to represent the School, led the tours and answered questions pertaining to nursing curriculum. High school students were able to experience hands-on training such as taking a pulse and participated in simulation training activities.
Scott Ziehm, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, facilitated a panel discussion with two High School Direct Entry into Nursing Program students as well as fourth and sixth semester nursing students. A range of topics such as the difference between high school and college, how prerequisite courses have prepared them for nursing courses, and their personal experiences in clinical settings as well as simulated training situations were discussed.
This event attracted junior and senior students and their parents from public and private schools throughout the state including Baldwin High School on Maui, Kamehameha Schools, Iolani, St. Louis, Maryknoll, Aiea, Farrington, Mililani, Pearl City, Roosevelt, and Waipahu high schools.
The High School Direct Entry into Nursing Program admits students every fall. For more information on the Program, visit http://www.nursing.hawaii.edu/High_School_Direct_Admission. Applications are being accepted and are due on January 2, 2014.