Hampton High School students gain firsthand healthcare experience through job shadow at Sentara

Thirty-seven 11th grade students in the Nutrition and Wellness Pathway from Hampton High School recently had the opportunity to explore careers in healthcare through a job shadowing experience hosted by Sentara Careplex Hospital. The experience provided students with a behind-the-scenes look at the wide range of careers that support the operation of a hospital and offered meaningful insight into the skills and education required for healthcare professions.

 

A special highlight of the visit was the interaction with students from Project SEARCH, an internship program that prepares young adults with disabilities for employment. Project SEARCH interns shared details about their work throughout the hospital and enthusiastically demonstrated the impact of their roles. Their presentations helped Hampton High students better understand the program and the valuable contributions the interns make each day.

 

During the visit, students had the opportunity to learn about several hospital departments, including the Emergency Department, Radiology, Labor and Delivery, Food and Nutrition Services, Nutrition and Diabetes Services, Rehabilitation, and Cardiac Rehabilitation. Medical professionals from each area shared insights about their daily responsibilities and the collaborative nature of healthcare.

 

Through these conversations and observations, students gained a deeper appreciation for the many professionals who work together to provide patient care. The experience also helped students develop a clearer vision of potential healthcare career pathways and the education and training required to pursue them.

 

“It was a great opportunity to explore different departments and learn about licensing paths. It helps us make informed decisions rather than just choosing a career we think we might like,” shared one of the student participants.

 

Hampton High School extends its sincere appreciation to Sentara for hosting this valuable learning opportunity and for investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals. Partnerships like this help connect classroom learning with real-world experiences and play an important role in preparing students for their future.

 

The school looks forward to continuing this rewarding partnership in the years to come.