Students ‘job shadow' hospital staff

WARWICK — On Thursday, Dec. 8, Vernon High School students Marijean Bissell and Brittany Maloney of Vernon, N.J., spent a full day observing healthcare professionals in the performance of their duties during a visit to St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick. They are interested in healthcare, and both are members of the school’s Health Careers Club, which sponsored the event as part of a Job Shadowing Program. The programs provide an opportunity for students to literally “shadow” someone working in any business or profession that the student may be considering as a career. Local businesses, organizations and healthcare facilities are asked to invite one or more students to their workplaces to observe and learn that even the most glamorous sounding professions demand education, long hours, dedication and hard work. Bissell, the daughter of John and Judy Bissell, is a junior at Vernon High School. She’s not only interested in healthcare but also serves as a volunteer with the Glenwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department. She hasn’t made up her mind yet, but nursing is one career that she is seriously considering. On the other hand, Maloney, the daughter of Sue and Ray Maloney, has definitely decided to become a nurse. She is a senior and has already been accepted into the nursing program offered by Wilkes University, Pa., although she is also considering other colleges. Her goal is to earn both bachelor of science and master of science degrees in the field of nursing. Under the direction of Yvonne Capone, human resources manager and associate director of volunteer services at the hospital, the students were able to spend their “shadowing” time in numerous departments. They included the Intensive Care and Critical Care Units (ICU/CCU), the Kennedy Birthing Center, the Operating Room, the Medical/Surgical Unit, and the Emergency Room. In each site, the visiting student was welcomed by medical professionals, given a tour of the unit, and observed the daily activities. “Before they leave, we’ll give them employment applications,” quipped Capone who explained that the nationwide shortage of nurses makes nursing an excellent choice for a career. But she also advised them to keep up their grades and to be prepared for years of study and hard work. “The cooperation we received from St. Anthony Community Hospital was outstanding,” said Lois Reinhardt, Vernon High School Guidance Counselor and coordinator for the Health Careers Club. For more information on services provided by the hospital, visit www.StAnthonyCommunityHosp.org.