Alicia Gardner, a student from Smyrna High School, practices administering an IV at one of the interactive stations offered at the Heartbeat Heroes camp.  

LEBANON, Tenn. – The CU Rudy School of Nursing hosted its second annual Heartbeat Heroes Nursing Camp on July 15th and 16th for 50 high school students from across Middle Tennessee interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. 

The first day of camp took place at Cumberland University’s Center for Nursing Education and Simulation and Training (CNEST) while day two took place at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital in Lebanon. 

During the camp, high school students engaged with Cumberland’s nursing faculty and current undergraduates during breakout sessions held in the advanced simulation labs. Participants gained insights into the nursing profession, exploring the diverse career opportunities.

The sessions covered essential topics such as patient assessment and basic nursing skills. Attendees gained hands-on experiences inserting IVs, administering medications, performing injections, and participating in simulations with high-fidelity manikins.

When asked what inspired Smyrna High School student, Alicia Gardner, to pursue nursing, she shared, “My mom and my grandmother are both nurses, so I’ve always been around nurses and seeing them in the hospitals helping people. My school posted a sign up sheet for the Heartbeat Heroes camp so my mom encouraged me to apply.”

On the second day of camp, participants were able to shadow Vanderbilt Hospital nurses on patient care units to gain experience in a real-life hospital setting. 

Experiential learning allowed participants the opportunity to ask questions, develop problem solving skills, and retain information in a fast-paced environment. 

“I am a CNA so I’ve seen some of this before, but it’s important to have as much experience as possible,” said Addie Cranor, Wilson Central High School student. 

Attendees had the opportunity to gain insight into the CU Rudy School of Nursing through presentations highlighting Cumberland’s comprehensive nursing program, encompassing events, communities, and opportunities to connect with new people. 

To learn more about the Rudy School of Nursing, visit https://www.cumberland.edu/rudy-school-of-nursing-and-health-professions/heartbeat-heroes-nursing-camp/ 

50 Middle Tennessee high school students gathered on campus for the Heartbeat Heroes Nursing Camp, ready to engage in hands-on learning.