Nursing as a Calling: WVU Engages Students Through Immersive Educational Day Camp

Hands-On Experience Awaits: WVU Welcomes Students to Explore Careers in Nursing

The West Virginia University School of Nursing, widely recognised for its dedication to academic excellence and community-based healthcare education, continues to cultivate the next generation of nursing professionals through innovative instruction and practical training. With multiple campuses across the state, the School remains steadfast in its mission to equip compassionate, skilled practitioners to meet the dynamic demands of modern healthcare.

As part of its ongoing outreach initiatives, the School hosted its third annual Day Camp on 7 June 2025. The event welcomed high school students from both West Virginia and further afield, offering them an engaging opportunity to explore nursing as a meaningful and rewarding career. This free, one-day programme introduced participants to the core elements of nursing education through a variety of interactive activities.

Students participated in a mock lecture, took part in an immersive escape room exercise, and engaged in hands-on simulations at the West Virginia Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS) Centre. The day concluded with an informational session, providing attendees with valuable insights into the academic pathways and diverse opportunities available in the nursing profession. Director of Recruitment, Phillip Engelkemier, explained that the camp was designed to support students in determining whether nursing school aligns with their personal and professional goals. He highlighted that the event is held annually and encouraged those unable to attend this year to consider joining future sessions or scheduling a campus tour.

A new addition to the 2025 edition was an alumni panel, which featured faculty members Dr Tina Antill Keener and Amanda Kitzmiller, alongside former Student Ambassadors Ateria Walker and Aiden Slusser, as well as Dr Anitra Ellis, a two-time graduate of the School. Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session with current Ambassador Bella Bock, enriching their understanding of the student experience. Attendees were also provided with WVU School of Nursing merchandise, including a t-shirt and drawstring bag, and were served breakfast and lunch during the programme. Overall, the Day Camp offered an engaging and informative experience, equipping students with a clearer vision of what a future in nursing might hold.

Editor’s Note

The West Virginia University School of Nursing’s annual Day Camp is more than just an outreach event; it’s a hands-on invitation into the world of nursing. By opening its doors to high school students, the School offers a rare glimpse into the realities of the profession, blending learning with experience in a way that is both engaging and informative. This initiative is distinguished by its emphasis on early engagement. Through interactive activities, direct discourse with faculty, alumni, and student ambassadors, and an inclusive campus atmosphere, participants not only gain nursing knowledge but also begin to envision themselves within the profession. This form of early mentorship and exposure has the potential to ignite enduring aspirations and cultivate the future leaders of healthcare.

Skoobuzz asserts that in an era of increasing demand for proficient and empathetic healthcare professionals, WVU’s methodology is pertinent, progressive, and profoundly influential.