RHS Offers New Nursing Class

Published October 29, 2009

A group of 10 students make up the first nursing education class at Ravenwood High School.  The course, which is designed to educate students interested in a career in the health care industry, teaches the students important nursing skills such as how to perform CPR, assess vital signs and measure patient comfort.  The class is similar to ones already offered at Centennial and Independence high schools.

While much of the class involves fundamental coursework, the students in the Nursing Education program also receive plenty of real world experience through a partnership with NHC Cool Springs.  For four hours a week, the students participate in a type of unpaid internship at the long-term facility.  Some of their duties include measuring blood pressure and feeding the patients who need help.  In January, the students will begin a similar program at Williamson Medical Center.

"It gives these students an advantage as they enter college," said Ravenwood teacher Tiffany Hyde.  "That's because they will already have clinical, hands-on experience to draw from.  No matter what career these students choose down the road, they are receiving a very educational experience working with patients," said Hyde.

Upon completion of the course, the students who have met the state requirements of 60 hours of clinicals in a long-term facility are able to take the state Certified Nursing Assistant test.  After passing the CNA test, these students are then able to work as nursing assistants in medical facilities, such as long-term facilities or hospitals.