Last week as classes were getting out at Mingus Union High School, a group of students climbed on board a small bus.
Their destination was a nursing and rehabilitation center in the Village at Oak Creek, and their work day was just getting started.
They were certainly dressed as nurses in their medical uniforms, which one student assured they didn’t have to wear all day at school.
The students are part of the school’s nursing career and technical education program, designed to give the group of mostly high school seniors real-world experience in the health care field.
Last week, it was to go care for the actual seniors who depend on the services for their needs.
“It’s a great experience and a lot of fun,” senior Mikala Lennon said.
Lennon said she wanted to be a chiropractor and joined the nursing program because she figured it would be a good way to eventually reach her goal.
“It could help pay for school,” Lennon added.
Kay Cooper has been working the program for the past nine years. She knows a thing or two about health care — and bus driving.
Over the course of the semester, Cooper said the students receive 40 direct patient care hours, including 10 at Verde Valley Medical Center.
For the full story, see the Wednesday, Nov. 14, edition of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
