Nursing HEAT Camp Gives Students a Chance to Explore Healthcare Careers

ZANESVILLE, OH – As a shortage of healthcare workers affects the nation, Ohio University Zanesville hosted a summer camp built for healthcare exploration and training..

The university’s nursing department hosted a Nursing HEAT Camp for 25 students from 7th to 9th grade. The camp wrapped up today with a special visit from Air-Evac Lifeteam who landed their Bell helicopter on campus for the students to see. One of the many things that Assistant Professor Teresa Polen enjoyed seeing at camp.

“I love that the weather held out, number one, that we can do this today. So that made it successful as to bringing this in. But I totally love all of heat camp. I love the thrill of them coming in and seeing their eyes light up trying new things,” Polen said.

The camp was made free to the students thanks to a grant from the Workforce Success Initiative and partnerships with Air-Evac Lifeteam and Genesis Healthcare. All to support a mission Associate Professor Christy Watson finds important.

“Well healthcare is one of our largest employers in Muskingum County and so career exploration at a young age such as middle school students is very important to support our workforce in this area and adjacent counties. So we just want to provide students with opportunity to explore, investigate nursing as a profession but also other healthcare disciplines to support our community and serve our citizens,” Watson said.

You can learn more about the nursing program and opportunities at Ohio University Zanesville by sending an email to Zanesville-Nursing@ohio.edu or by calling 740-588-1515.