The Anderson University School of Nursing in the College of Health Professions has launched Camp Nurse Life, an immersive multi-day summer program designed to introduce high school students in grades 9–12 to the world of nursing.
The camp, held June 15-17 at Anderson University, showcased what it takes to become a nurse, spotlighting the fundamentals of nursing, patient safety and medical terminology. Campers were further introduced to health assessment, vital signs, and importantly, communicating and collaborating as a team. In essence, Camp Nurse Life was designed to give participants a real-life view into the world or nursing, incorporating activities in the skills and simulations areas of the Anderson University School of Nursing.
Dr. Cindy Cross, associate dean of the Anderson University College of Health Professions and chief nursing administrator, sees nursing as a calling to fulfill God’s greatest commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” found in Mark 12:31.
“Everything that makes a great nurse—compassion, presence, advocacy, and courage—flows from this commandment,” says Dr. Cross. “Nurses are neighbors honoring those in need with unwavering compassion and resilience while being steadfast in service and nursing excellence. Nursing excellence is providing the best possible care to all who needed it. Nursing excellence is a true act of love.”
Assistant Professor of Nursing Cindy Swaney and Dr. Cross developed the camp to help high school students who are investigating the nursing profession learn the skills involved working in the field. It’s also an opportunity for high schoolers to get a taste of college life. Students in the camp got to meet with the Office of Admission staff. They also experienced lunch in the Anderson University Culinary Center, where they were joined by students attending other camps on campus.
Before Camp Nurse Life was done, the students took a class for CPR certification, courtesy of the American Heart Association. Dr. Cross commented that learning CPR is something they can take with them and potentially save the life of a friend, a family member, or somebody they encounter in need.
Dr. Cross and Swaney say that enrollment goals of the camp have been exceeded, and that the camp resonates with the Anderson University pillar of Great Purpose.
“In the beginning, we only did 20 spots, and that filled up the first week. Every week we upgraded that number. Finally, we had to cap it at 45 because we only have 48 seats. So 43 out of the 45 showed up on Monday and that same 43 has continued today,” Swaney said. “We’ve been concentrating on communication and teamwork. They’ve gotten to see the simulation. Everybody got a stethoscope in their bag; we’ve learned how to use the stethoscope to hear respirations and we even had an experience in the emergency room.”
“My personal goal of the camp was to make it informative,” Dr. Cross said. “They are getting a birds-eye view of what we do so they can make an informed decision if nursing is really for them.”
Lexi Burriss, a rising senior from Pendleton, feels God has led her to pursue a nursing career. She enthusiastically recommends Camp Nurse Life to others.
“I’ve been loving all the communication and the teamwork aspects of this, because as a nurse, you are going to be caring for a patient by yourself, but maybe you need someone to help you transfer (a patient) or you need advice from somebody,” said Burriss. “Teamwork is a big part of nursing and I love how they’reincorporating that.”
With many family members working in healthcare, Ben Broome, a rising senior from Rock Hill, was encouraged to take part in the camp by his sister, who is a nursing major at Anderson.
“The sim labs have been cool to see and I learned how to give a manual blood pressure,” Broome said. “The professors and ladies running this camp have been helpful and hands-on with us trying to make sure we’re making the right decision in choosing nursing.”
When Amelia Freel, a camper from Middleburg, Florida and a rising senior, was seeking a nursing camp, family members in the Anderson area suggested she look into what AU offered.
“Growing up, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do,” Freel said. “I learned in church that I really wanted to serve others like Christ… I wanted something where I could impact people more than just working a regular office job.”
Dr. Cross continued, “We were so excited to see so many students come from so many different places. We hope that we have sparked an interest in them becoming nurses, and that they walk away with an understanding of what it truly means to be a nurse. Nursing to me is a calling to love and specifically love our neighbor.”
College of Health Professions Dean Dr. Donald Peace said, “Our inaugural Summer Nursing Bootcamp has made a significant impact, welcoming 43 enthusiastic attendees who gained valuable insights into the nursing profession. Our dedicated nursing faculty and staff have done an outstanding job delivering an exceptional,hands-on experience that exceeded expectations and fostered meaningful connections. This initiative not only highlights the strength of our program but also positions us to identify and inspire the next generation of AU nursing students.”
Dr. Cross is grateful to clinical partners from AnMed and Self Regional hospitals, whose nursing staff members met with the campers to offer insights into nurse-patient interactions not possible otherwise.
“I’m thankful for each student who came, each faculty member who has poured into them. And we are looking forward to doing it again next year,” Dr. Cross said.
For details on future camps, email cswaney@andersonuniversity.edu.