A graduation ceremony held Friday, July 30, wrapped up the two-week 2021 McLeod Health Nursing Academy Program.

“Every person you came in contact with during your time here at McLeod Health has taken a vested interest in your future,” said Matthew Peake, McLeod Health Careers Program Coordinator. “They will be glad to serve as a resource for you on your journey into your career in health care.”

Lani and Lexi Lewis from Horry County are looking forward to participating in clinical rotations at McLeod Health Loris and McLeod Health Seacoast this Fall as part of their clinical studies in high school for their CNA certification. Both Lani and Lexi saw the Nursing Academy Program as an opportunity to see real life experiences in health care.

JoAnna Moran from Cheraw was encouraged by her teacher to participate in the Academy. JoAnna has already achieved her CNA certification through her high school and plans on pursuing her nursing degree.  JoAnna’s favorite class was on intubation. Intubation requires pursuit of an advanced level degree in nursing which is certainly a possibility for this ambitious student.

Twenty-five students were selected from Chesterfield, Darlington, Florence, Horry, Sumter and Williamsburg Counties to participate in the 2021 McLeod Health Nursing Academy. The Academy was a ten-day event, targeting 10th through 12th grade high school students interested in a career in nursing.

During the event, students learned about important nursing concepts and morals, how to perform clinical labs such as ventilation and manual vitals; and spent time observing nurses on the floor at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Time was also devoted to career and educational pathway planning, CPR and First Aid certification, and the running of a mock code to put the skills they learned to a test.

The McLeod Health Nursing Academy was funded by a grant through the McLeod Health Foundation with support by AHEC.