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NBNA Mini Nurse Academy"The Midlands of South Carolina Black Nurses Association’s Implements Mini Nurse Academy"
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The Midlands of South Carolina Black Nurses Association, Inc, in partnership with Bradley Elementary School, implemented a pilot Mini Nurse Academy (MNA) for students in grades 3-5. The Academy is one of 12 in the country being piloted by the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) with a funded grant from Direct Relief.
The purpose of the program is to introduce students in grades 3 through 6 to the nursing profession. Student participation will increase awareness of nursing as a career option and provide knowledge and skills related to professional nursing practice. Professional nurses affiliated with NBNA, such as the Midlands Chapter, who share the students’ backgrounds and lived experiences serve as organizers and facilitators. “It is important for children to see professional nurses that look like them and serve as role models, during their elementary years,” states Lisa Davis, MBA, MPH, BS, RN founding and current President of the Midlands of South Carolina Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association.
Bradley Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Kezia Myers, was enthusiastic about the partnership and opportunity, “witnessing the resounding success of our Mini Nursing Academy for our third, fourth, and fifth grade students fills me with immense pride. It is awe-inspiring to see these young minds embrace the world of healthcare with such enthusiasm and dedication. Through hands-on learning experiences and mentorship from the Midlands of SC BNA, these students not only gained essential nursing skills but also developed empathy, teamwork, and a deep sense of responsibility.”
The Chapter’s MNA Champion and Vice President, Dr. Lori Vick led the 15 week after-school program which included topics such as the history of nursing, understanding the healthcare system, discussing social determinants of health, and interactive sessions such as hand-only CPR, calculating body mass index, counting pulse rates, and culminated in students learning to conduct a research project. All curricula were presented at an age appropriate level, “The 3-5 grade students eagerly shared their knowledge about the roles of the members of a health care team, and are receptive to learning about nursing as a possible career. We were delighted with the opportunity to introduce nursing to this wonderful group of young people.”
The purpose of the program is to introduce students in grades 3 through 6 to the nursing profession. Student participation will increase awareness of nursing as a career option and provide knowledge and skills related to professional nursing practice. Professional nurses affiliated with NBNA, such as the Midlands Chapter, who share the students’ backgrounds and lived experiences serve as organizers and facilitators. “It is important for children to see professional nurses that look like them and serve as role models, during their elementary years,” states Lisa Davis, MBA, MPH, BS, RN founding and current President of the Midlands of South Carolina Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association.
Bradley Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Kezia Myers, was enthusiastic about the partnership and opportunity, “witnessing the resounding success of our Mini Nursing Academy for our third, fourth, and fifth grade students fills me with immense pride. It is awe-inspiring to see these young minds embrace the world of healthcare with such enthusiasm and dedication. Through hands-on learning experiences and mentorship from the Midlands of SC BNA, these students not only gained essential nursing skills but also developed empathy, teamwork, and a deep sense of responsibility.”
The Chapter’s MNA Champion and Vice President, Dr. Lori Vick led the 15 week after-school program which included topics such as the history of nursing, understanding the healthcare system, discussing social determinants of health, and interactive sessions such as hand-only CPR, calculating body mass index, counting pulse rates, and culminated in students learning to conduct a research project. All curricula were presented at an age appropriate level, “The 3-5 grade students eagerly shared their knowledge about the roles of the members of a health care team, and are receptive to learning about nursing as a possible career. We were delighted with the opportunity to introduce nursing to this wonderful group of young people.”
