WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital hosts nursing students from seven nursing programs

PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) — Several nursing students from programs across both Virginias got the chance to earn some practical knowledge at WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital over the summer.

This program was the biggest it had ever been, hosting 29 students from seven different nursing programs in both Virginia and West Virginia.

The externship program at WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital offers students an unpaid, informal way to shadow professionals in their chosen career field.

The goal was for attendees to gain practical experience. Students follow a rigorously structured program throughout the summer at the hospital. The plan is that they will also be returning to their programs in the fall for their senior years.

Karen Bowling, President and CEO of WVU Medicine PCH, said this externship provides more than just skills that can be taught.

“We allow them during the course of this summer to continue to enhance their skills, so that I think they come into their senior year a lot more comfortable because they’ve had this increased clinical component,” said Bowling. “I think, in essence, what that does is, when they finish their program, they’re much better prepared to come out into the real world of healthcare and do their job.”

Students moved from department to department, experiencing daily life in different areas of the hospital. They interacted with nurses, patients, and doctors throughout their time in the program.

Jenna-Kay Nash, a student with the Concord University Nursing program, said she has already seen improvement in her skills.

“I feel like I’m more confident now – like with patient care, talking with patients, talking with the nurses, talking with the doctors, so I feel like my confidence level has boosted,” explained Nash.

The students worked in different departments at different times in order to make sure each student had the chance to work in as many places as possible.

Tanner Wimmer with the Bluefield University Nursing program said he is favoring one department in particular though.

“So far, I’ve really enjoyed the ICU just for the aspect of you get to see a lot of different variety of things come in. People who are sometimes very ill, but you’ll also get to take care of the families,” said Wimmer. “You know, as in all of nursing, it’s not just taking care of the patient, but their families as well, because they’re a big part of their care and getting them better. I’ve really enjoyed conversating with the families a lot in the ICU.”

Both Nash and Wimmer said that WVU Medicine PCH is on their list of potential employers after they graduate.

Bowling encourages nursing students who meet the criteria to apply for the program next year.

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