BU LHSON Hosts CompassRN Student Nurse Summer Camp 2023
The Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) hosted CompassRN Student Nurse Summer Camp on Friday, July 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. welcoming 30 campers (9th & 10th graders from local schools) plus four adult volunteers. The camp allowed students to hear from nursing faculty, nursing students and tour the LHSON and Clinical Simulation Building. They learned about nursing school programs and admission requirements and observed a few basic nursing skills in the simulation lab. The priority focus was on the campers engagement and interaction so they could gain an understanding of what it looks like to be in nursing school.
“The camp was a great experience for the high school students as well as the School of Nursing team,” said Lisa M. Jones, DNP, MPH, RN, CNEcl, Associate Dean for Pre-Licensure Program, Clinical Assistant Professor, LHSON. “The students learned all about the different opportunities offered within the profession of nursing. We encouraged them to take care of themselves, do well in school, and consider being a part of our Baylor family. As the LHSON team worked with the students and listened to the laughter, exclamations of excitement, answered questions we were reminded why we became nurses and why we teach.”
“CompassRN provides awareness, access and mentorship,” said Renée G. Omoyeni, Founder of CompassRN. “A large component of the program is providing early exposure for students through career information sessions, local field trips, and original content creation. Closing the gap between what students imagine nursing to be and receiving first-hand knowledge is a key priority of CompassRN,” said Omoyeni. “Connecting students to the field of nursing provides a direct link to the faces of healthcare, the different roles and responsibilities, opportunities, and allows students to observe industry collaboration. Long-term mentorship is essential in ensuring students receive continuous support throughout the journey of becoming nurse. Navigating through the transition from high school to college, nursing school to licensure, and professional to continued education – CompassRN prioritizes nurse mentorship through it all.”
Originally established in Houston, Texas, CompassRN is a nurse-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization connecting youth to health education and the field of nursing. It primarily targets underserved and underrepresented middle and high school students by creating awareness of nursing career opportunities, facilitating access to the nursing community, and providing long-term mentorship from high school to nursing licensure.