UNC Health Nash Opens Doors for Future Health Care Professionals
UNC Health Nash Perioperative Services hosted its second annual Behind the Red Line – Junior Edition event June 27 in partnership with the ECU/NC State Collaborative Health Science Camp. Open to students in grades 6 through 12, the Junior Edition program is a spin-off of the original Behind the Red Line event, which is designed specifically for high school seniors interested in STEM.
As part of the camp's weeklong health care career exploration program, held June 22–26 at North Carolina Wesleyan University's Gateway Technology Center, UNC Health Nash introduced students to careers in Laboratory Services, Physical Therapy and Human Resources before welcoming them to campus for an inside look at Perioperative Services.
During the event, students toured the Mayo Surgery Pavilion, explored the many clinical, technical and support roles that make up Perioperative Services, and participated in interactive simulations including CPR, intubation, robotic surgery and general surgery alongside clinical, non-clinical and medical professionals.
A total of 33 students registered participated in the event, including 25 students from the Health Science Camp. Students traveled from Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson, Johnston, Wake, Wayne and Cumberland counties to take part.
"Planting the seed of possibility early in a student's life can have a lasting impact," said Ivelisse "Ivy" Ruiz, Executive Director of Perioperative Services at UNC Health Nash. "Introducing students to the wide range of careers available in health care encourages them to begin exploring their interests and envisioning future opportunities. By fostering curiosity and expanding their awareness of what is possible, we hope they know UNC Health Nash is genuinely invested in their future."
The event was supported by 16 volunteers representing five of Perioperative Services' six areas, joined by team members from clinical, non-clinical and medical disciplines. Together, they mentored students, shared their expertise and provided a firsthand look at the collaboration that supports patient care every day.
"This kind of immersive learning helps students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world careers," said Samantha Gallentine, RN. "Seeing health care professionals in action and interacting with the equipment can spark an interest in health care, broaden students' understanding of the many career opportunities available and inspire them to pursue future careers in the field.”
The volunteers described students as curious, engaged and eager to participate throughout the day's activities while expressing pride in the opportunity to introduce young people to the many career pathways available within their industry.
Survey feedback also highlighted the collaborative effort behind the event. Parent Roderica Lovely Wade-Hepburn, who participated along with her student, said the welcoming environment at UNC Nash left as much of an impression as the activities themselves.
"The staff made the experience special," Wade-Hepburn said. "They were welcoming, knowledgeable and relatable. They encouraged both students and parents to participate, ask questions and learn alongside one another. I believe the students walked away with newfound respect and patience for working together as a team towards a goal bigger than themselves."
