From suturing bananas to CPR: Sentara career camps inspire the next generation

Recruitment is a constant in healthcare. And with growing workforce shortages, health systems are looking for new populations to find talent. At Sentara, looking ahead to the next generation means starting early – in middle school. 

This summer, 113 middle schoolers donned scrubs for week-long, hands-on career camps at eight Sentara hospitals across Virginia. The goal? Have them sample a variety of job opportunities and experiences that could lead them to healthcare careers. 

“Every child should know there is a place for them in healthcare,” said Iris Lundy, vice president of health impact and engagement for Sentara Health.  

“At Sentara, we offer opportunities to learn, grow, and lead in an environment where everyone is valued. We hope to spark that interest early, so students can begin building a path toward a career that serves their communities.”

Campers at Sentara Obici Hospital pose outdoors (left) and dissect a sheep eye (bottom); At Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, campers pose for a group photo (top).

 Now in its fifth year, the Sentara Health Career Camp has reached more than 400 students. Getting in isn't easy. Students complete an essay, secure a teacher recommendation, and go through a competitive application process. The camp at Senara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, for example, selected 15 students from roughly 40 to 50 applicants. 

While many think only of doctors and nurses when they think about healthcare, the camp introduces students to a wide range of professions: radiology, pharmacy, physical therapy, emergency care, women's health, chaplaincy, administration, food services, and more.  

“When students think about healthcare, we want them to see more than one path,” Lundy added. “There are meaningful careers in clinical care, technology, administration, and support services, all working together to improve the lives of our patients and communities.”

A camper at Sentara Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (left) holds a medical mannequin; A camper at Sentara Obici Hospital holds up a dissected sheep eye with surgical tools (right).

 Camp activities included suturing bananas, cauterizing pork chops in a sterile operating room, and using laparoscopic surgery tools to pick up candies inside a mannequin. Students established airways in mannequins' throats using video tools and learned to use respiratory devices for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They also dissected sheep eyes and climbed aboard ambulances to learn about EMS careers. Their eyes learned to track a bank of changing video screens in a hospital security office, and they were taught how to properly use a fire extinguisher. 

At the end of the week, campers created poster presentations and shared what they learned with their families during a graduation ceremony. Graduates have the opportunity to return to Sentara as junior volunteers. 

All of it is an investment in the workforce of the future. One hospital administrator said it best when welcoming students for this year’s camp: "I want to see you in 15 years!"

For more information about Sentara Health Career Camp, email our team at SHCC@sentara.com.

A Sentara team member guides a camper at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center through an airway management technique on a medical mannequin.