Ralston High School sophomores Sydni Szczepanik and Taylor Skiles were excited to be presenting their poster on labor and delivery nurses at the State Leadership Conference for the Nebraska HOSA – Future Health Professionals organization.
The annual event was held Monday and Tuesday at UNMC.
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HOSA participants from Scottsbluff High School, pictured left to right, are: Haylee Ceplecha, Allison Leever, Alisha Huynh (all juniors) and Sarah Cloud, a senior. |
“It’s our first time at the state competition,” Skiles said looking around at the crowd of students. “There are a lot of good posters here.”
HOSA is a high school and post-secondary student organization for those who are interested in a career in health care. It is similar to Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, or Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. It is sanctioned by the Nebraska Department of Education. (HOSA used to stand for Health Occupations Students of America, but in 2004 the organization opted to change their name to HOSA: Future Health Professionals.)
During the conference, students competed in events such as “Basic Life Support,” “First Aid,” “EMT,” “Medical Photography” and “Flight Nursing.” A large number of students prepared poster presentations on a particular field of interest.
“HOSA is a great way to learn more about health professions,” Haylee Ceplecha said.
Ceplecha, a junior at Scottsbluff High School, wore navy blue scrubs along with 27 classmates to represent HOSA Scottsbluff during competitions.
She said the students also wear them when they volunteer at their local nursing home or at fundraisers, such as the annual Boxer 500, a charity run/walk to raise awareness and money for colon cancer research.
“It’s been a lot of fun, especially in getting to come to UNMC,” Ceplecha said.
A great example of the teamwork at UNMC. Thank you to all those who participated in the events. Having been a part of high school events such as this one, I understand how valuable this interactions are for the students. Special thanks to Heidi Kaschke and staff for their diligence in putting this together!