New computers help St. Gianna academy students

Jan. 28, 2008

"This is cool," said Leah Perkins, a student in St. Gianna Catholic Health Academy, as she showed fellow students a YouTube video of a patient getting an intraosseous procedure (a type of IV).

At another computer in the academy’s newly equipped computer classroom, fellow Bishop Carroll student Kristen Simpson, who plans to become a pediatrician, accessed and studied online pediatric journals for a research paper on her intended career.

Last fall, the academy’s classroom in St. Francis Room 7164 was equipped with 25 new computers, a laptop, two laser printers and other technology, thanks to an $18,750 grant by Via Christi Volunteers, Partners in Caring and a $4,000 grant from Via Christi Foundation.

"It really helped update our technology," said Denise Clarke, St. Gianna Catholic Health Academy program director.

Having up-to-date technology is important in a program that intends to be cutting edge and help students develop an interest in much-needed entry-level healthcare careers as well as professional medical degrees.

Seniors, and occasionally juniors, from Bishop Carroll and Kapaun Mt. Carmel high schools can participate. Only 25 students are accepted each semester.

"We’re highly selective," explained Clarke. "We make sure they have the drive to go into healthcare careers and are self-motivated. We don’t have any trouble filling the academy; we turn away students."

Once selected, the students spend the first two weeks of the semester in the computer classroom, researching and writing a paper on their career choice. During the course of the semester, they’ll use the technology to put together the hand-washing and personal hygiene presentations they’ll make at four to six public and parochial elementary schools (using supplies furnished by a Children’s Miracle Network grant). By semester’s end, they’ll use the computers to compile their job portfolios and complete college applications.

Students who go through the curriculum, which includes rotations through 15 Via Christi units ranging from surgery to obstetrics to the emergency department, are ready for entry-level healthcare positions, Clarke said.

"I direct them to those (entry-level) positions even if they have high aspirations of being a physician," said Clarke, program director since 2002.

The program is succeeding at having academy graduates return as Medical Center employees. Among those who’ve returned are registered nurses Christina Stearman and Sofia Jaramillo, respiratory therapists Amber Rau and Monica Lee, and hospital technicians Corey Mayhill and Catlyn Moreland.