UH Future Nurse Academy Thrives
More than two dozen high school students entered the college classroom displaying emotions ranging from excitement to trepidation. On the tables in front of them sat pig hearts, which they would soon be asked to dissect to learn more about how a human heart works.
The activity was part of the UH Future Nurse Academy, a two-week paid summer program designed to expose high school students to a compelling and rewarding career in nursing. The program began in 2023 with one cohort of 26 students. This year, it expanded to three locations at Lakeland Community College, Cuyahoga Community College and Lorain Community College. Close to 1,000 students applied for the 78 spots.
Each of the three Academy’s itineraries includes visits to nursing schools in the Cleveland area, tours of UH facilities, in-person nursing skills training, as well as:
- Hands-on practice taking vital signs, administering CPR and drawing (simulated) blood
- Approaches to problem-solving, critical thinking, executive functioning, and social and emotional skills necessary for success
- Health and wellness best practices
- Simulation lab and clinical experiences
- Best practices and strategies to address social determinants of health
“The UH Future Nurse Academy sets students up for success by connecting them with UH clinicians and partners and providing an array of opportunities for hands-on learning. The Academy builds on students’ existing skills to help them navigate healthcare career paths following high school graduation,” said Michelle Hereford, MSHA, RN, FACHE, System Chief Nurse Executive and Ethel Morikis Endowed Chair in Nursing Leadership.
UH’s goal is for students to follow their dream of contributing to the healthcare profession by becoming nursing professionals and staying in Northeast Ohio upon graduation.
The UH Future Nurse Academy would not be possible without the support of many generous donors in addition to the UH Nursing Roundtable, which is made up of committed volunteer leaders with an interest in advancing the UH Nursing enterprise. Additional support will continue to help us inspire the next generation of compassionate nurses to enter the profession.