More than 35 Connecticut high school students got an inside look at the nursing profession this summer during Southern Connecticut State University’s annual Summer Nursing Symposium in July.
Hosted by Southern’s School of Nursing in partnership with Yale New Haven Health, the weeklong program introduces rising high school freshmen and sophomores to nursing through hands-on activities, simulation exercises, conversations with faculty and current nursing students, and a behind-the-scenes look at healthcare careers. Students also visited Yale New Haven Hospital, where they shadowed nurses and observed patient care in a clinical setting.
The symposium was launched in 2021 by Dr. Maria Krol and Professor Joshua Knickerbocker to encourage more students — particularly those from groups underrepresented in nursing — to explore the profession at an early age.
“We started this program because we saw both a lack of diversity in nursing and fewer students choosing nursing as a career,” said Krol, interim executive director of health care programs and co-founder of the symposium. “By introducing students to the profession while they’re still in high school, we’re helping them see what’s possible and giving them a chance to picture themselves in these roles.”
As featured by WTNH News 8, many participants said the experience strengthened their interest in pursuing nursing, while faculty emphasized the importance of building a diverse healthcare workforce and introducing students to the field before they begin making college and career decisions.
The Summer Nursing Symposium is offered at no cost to participants through Southern’s partnership with Yale New Haven Health and reflects the university’s continued commitment to preparing the next generation of nurses for Connecticut’s healthcare workforce.
Watch the WTNH News 8 story: Southern Connecticut State University hosts Summer Nursing Symposium for teens
