This month, we are looking through the lens of Education. Now more than ever, collaboration between educators and industry professionals is essential to enhance educational experiences and develop a more skilled and ready workforce.
In this edition of Mike’s Memo, Invest Hamilton County’s very own high school intern, Norah Rafferty, takes over the blog to interview her fellow classmate, Riley Putnam, about her work-based learning experience.
Have you ever heard of a 17-year-old nursing assistant?
At Carmel High School, students can dive into real-world work experiences through a program called Work-Based Learning (WBL). This educational technique connects the classroom with hands-on experiences assisting high school students in developing essential skills for employability and exploring career opportunities. Among the immense variety of internships available, the Health Care Specialist (CNA) program has begun to gain tremendous popularity throughout the halls of Carmel High School.
How do Students become eligible for Work-Based Learning?
To qualify for Work-Based Learning, students must enroll in a Capstone course of a particular Career Pathway. Career Pathways are filled with classes that specialize in a specified pathway. The Health Care Specialist program requires Principles of Health Care, Medical Terminology, Health Care specialists: CNA and Health Care Capstone (External Internship Experience). Unlike most Capstones, CNA is taught in one class. This 3-hour class is held every other day and lectures in technical skills, health care terms and legal/ethical considerations. After completing the course students’ progress into working at clinical sites under the direction of licensed nurses. These clinical sites are often extended health care facilities, hospitals and home health agencies. Working hands-on in these locations as a certified nursing assistant helps students build knowledge in recording patients’ medical histories and symptoms, providing medication and treatment, operating medical equipment, performing diagnostic tests, and informing patients and families how to properly treat an illness and injury.
Riley Putnam’s Experience
Riley Putnam, a high school senior at Carmel High School, is involved in the Work-Based Learning program (WBL) as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Putnam began the CNA pathway as an incoming junior at Copper Trace Family-first Senior Living to gain her CNA license. To get a CNA license, Putnam was required to work 50 clinical hours. After completing the course and clinical hours, Riley was able take the next step in the WBL Program beginning her senior year at IU North Hospital in the post operation department.
Putnam discusses the pros and cons of the program, stating it is very time consuming. During the school day, she misses study hall, meaning she is unable to meet with teachers for help on assignments, make up/retake tests, meet with other students for group collaboration, study, or work on assignments. Rather than completing these tasks during the school day, she may have to meet with teachers before or after school which is not always possible due to participating in clubs and sports. Although this is a large factor when committing to the program, the pros outweigh the cons.
Riley believes that gaining hands-on experience alongside medical professionals is the best way to learn in the medical field. Learning how to do blood draws by assisting a nurse rather than in a classroom allows her to enhance retention. Riley also believes this program is ultimately preparing her for a future career. Early exposure to the medical field has allowed her to learn more about different pathways and narrow down what field she wants to be a part of. Expanding on the pros of the program, Riley expresses getting clinical hours in high school is decreasing the hours needed in college allowing her to progress faster than other students in her studies. Lastly, Riley addresses creating professional connections and building her resume helps her gain the chances of getting into the college of her choice and getting superb internships in her future.
The Impacts of Work-Based Learning on Students
The certified nursing assistant Capstone of Work-Based Learning allows students like Riley Putnam valuable hands-on experience early on, setting her on a path for success. Though the responsibility of managing academics and the internship may be difficult, the benefits of early exposure to the medical fields allows her to apply herself into professional environments, be more prepared, and more knowledgeable for future positions. Riley speaks out and gives advice to those interested in following the CNA Capstone pathway, “Although you may be intimidated, do not be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions is highly encouraged and will ensure the safety of your patients and yourself. There is no such thing as a bad question.”