High schoolers get hands-on hospital experience

This summer, St. Charles launched a new ambassador program to give high school students in Jefferson and Crook counties hands-on hospital experience through clinical shadowing and support.

Two incoming seniors were selected for the program: Emily Pineda, a student at Madras High School (pictured above left) and Shirley Anderson, a student at Crook County High School (pictured above right).

“I signed up for this program because I’m interested in nursing and it’s been an amazing experience,” said Pineda, St. Charles Madras ambassador. “On my very first day, I got to witness a birth in the Family Birthing Center and it helped me realize that’s the kind of nursing I want to do. This program is a great way to figure out what area of health care you’re passionate about.”

Anderson, the St. Charles Prineville ambassador, is also excited about her experience with the program.

“I’ve always been interested in a career in health care, so getting to see what actually goes on in a hospital has been such a great opportunity,” she said. “I especially love working with pediatric speech therapy — it’s something I found an interest in after exploring that department through this program. Each week I shadow a different department and get hands-on experience. It’s been such a great experience to learn from actual health care professionals.”

The new program is organized and funded through the Cascades East Area Health Education Center program, East Cascade Works and Youth Compass Program.