‘Little Hands in the OR’ inspires students to choose healthcare careers
(ROCKWALL-December 26, 2012) Middle school students from Dallas Christian Academy and Rockwall ISD recently had the opportunity to spend a day in the life of a medical professional, through Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital’s “Little Hands in the OR” program.
In its third year, the program continues to grow in scope and attendance with the ongoing goal to inspire young minds to choose a career in healthcare, especially perioperative services.
For hospital president Cindy Paris, Little Hands in the OR has been a long time passion. Spending much of her career in the operating room, she knew she wanted to share her experiences with young students as a way to introduce them to possible careers in healthcare.
“It has been a blessing to watch the students’ excitement grow throughout the day’s activities. I am so very thankful to have the opportunity to share this small part of our world. I am doubly thankful to have many wonderful partners in this hospital who have helped develop this program into a great teaching tool and early recruitment endeavor,” Paris said.
The introduction to the daylong events began with presentations by several physicians. Dr. Kate Makahon and Dr. Jeff Stephens, both Rockwall surgeons, introduced the students to laparoscopic gallbladder surgery; its purpose and how it is performed.
Playing an important role in the operating and procedure room is the anesthesiologist. Dr. Marc Brown, an anesthesiologist on staff at Texas Health Rockwall, gave a lively demonstration on his role and how he keeps patients comfortable throughout the process.
Gary Bonacquisti, MD, Rockwall family medicine physician and the hospital’s Medical Director, spoke to the students about the process of how a patient moves from his office with their first complaint to the surgeon’s office for further evaluation for possible surgery.
The day involved hands-on, educational activities including a video following a patient’s surgical trip through Texas Health Rockwall. Students viewed her experience as she traveled from the admitting process, through a successful gallbladder removal, recovery and her eventual dismissal. One of the most exciting activities allowed students to visit an operating room in full surgical attire. Here they had the opportunity to manipulate actual surgical equipment, attempting to pick up colorful beads and load them on a stick using a laparoscope. They soon learned that it takes a lot of skill and practice to learn the technique.
Students also experienced demonstrations of the sterile processing of surgical instruments, as well as surgical hand scrubs and infection control practices that are performed routinely inside the hospital. The infection control department discussed the importance of these responsibilities and the role they play in patient safety. Several hospital supply and equipment vendors participated; including Rockwall EMS who gave a tour of the ambulance and spoke on the role of an EMS technician. Additionally, the final day coincided with the Great American Smokeout, with students participating in a balloon launch to generate awareness and concern for this important health issue.
The staff of Texas Health Rockwall was eager to talk about their experiences and passion for their career choices. Both nurses and technicians shared their responsibilities within a “typical day” and spoke about why they chose the path they did in their medical career. As interesting and unique as the experience was for the students, it was even more rewarding for hospital staff hoping to inspire these students to choose a career that they can be just as passionate about.
About Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall, recognized with the Gold Seal of Approval by the Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, is the first full-service community hospital in Rockwall. THPHR offers 50 inpatient beds for acute medical and surgical needs, advanced medical technology and comprehensive services focused on quality patient care and safety close to home. Texas Health Rockwall is proud to be recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s “Best Places to Work in Healthcare”, Becker’s Hospital Review’s “Great Places to Work in Healthcare”, a silver award recipient of the TMF Health Quality Institute and home to several of DFW’s “Great 100 Nurses”.
For more information about Texas Health Rockwall, visit texashealthrockwall.com
Submitted by Melanie Mayfield, Marketing Coordinator, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall.
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