Nurses at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa (KP SRO) are dedicated to enhancing its strategies for addressing community health needs, recognizing that positive health outcomes require collaborative planning and partnerships with local stakeholders and leaders.
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Nurse Executive/Chief Operating Officer Vicky Locey, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, Santa Rosa has fostered meaningful connections with local high schools to inspire the next generation of healthcare workers. As part of her commitment to advancing nursing practice, Locey believed in creating pathways for high school students to explore healthcare careers, with the aim of encouraging them to remain in the community after graduation and serve the health needs of their local population.
In collaboration with the Voice of Nursing Committee, Locey spearheaded the creation of an innovative educational program known as Nurse Camp. This hands-on, onsite career development initiative provides high school students with a unique opportunity to experience the nursing profession firsthand. Through interactive training and mentorship, Nurse Camp has become a cornerstone of KP SRO’s efforts to inspire and prepare future healthcare leaders.
In December 2024, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa (KP SRO) welcomed 25 students from Windsor High School for an immersive day of simulation and hands-on learning about healthcare careers. The event aimed to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals by providing a behind-the-scenes look at the vital work performed by providers.
Students participated in engaging, real-world scenarios, including:
- Hand Hygiene Exercise: Highlighting the importance of infection prevention.
- Newborn Baby Delivery: Offering a glimpse into labor and delivery care.
- Pediatric Choking Simulation: Teaching life-saving techniques for emergencies.
- Adult Stroke/Code Blue Response: Demonstrating rapid intervention in critical situations.
- Perioperative Simulation: A playful “surgery” activity inspired by the game Operation.
KP SRO partnered with a local ambulance company to give students an up-close tour of an ambulance and insights into the roles of EMTs and paramedics. The day concluded with a tour of the Emergency Department, where students saw firsthand how teams work together in high-pressure environments.
Nurses from the Voice of Nursing committee volunteered their time and expertise to lead the simulations, ensuring a meaningful and educational experience for the students. At the end of the event, students were celebrated with a certificate ceremony, acknowledging their participation and engagement.
This day of hands-on exposure exemplifies KP SRO’s commitment to community partnership and fostering interest in healthcare careers among local youth.