On July 16, Senator Lisa Wellman visited the UW Nurse Camp held annually on Seattle’s campus. The free, week-long camp is open to incoming high school sophomores and juniors from Washington state and aims to increase access and opportunities in nursing.
Throughout the week, campers shadowed nurses in various hospital units, received training in HIPAA and CPR, engaged in nursing simulation activities, and learned about infection control, blood pressure, and vitals. They also learned how to prepare for college and get into nursing school.
A favorite part of the camp was the nursing “speed round,” where nurses working in all areas of health care shared their experiences and answered campers’ questions. This gave the campers a fuller picture of a nurse’s daily work life and the different specialities they could pursue.
During her visit, Senator Wellman met the students and watched them in action as they engaged in various simulations, exploring new concepts and being tested on material they had learned during the week. These simulations are immersive and give the campers knowledge and skills essential to the nursing profession.
Senator Wellman also met the UW School of Nursing Executive Dean Hilaire Thompson and the Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs, Jennifer Sonney. They were able to discuss the goals of the Nurse Camp, as well as talk more broadly about the UW School of Nursing, its mission, and potential future initiatives.
Thank you, Senator Wellman, for taking the time to visit the UW Nurse Camp and connect with the campers and UW faculty and staff.