Na-ha-shnee introduces Native American high school students to health sciences programs

“That was awesome. That was so much fun.”

Those words came from a high school student immediately after her group finished their session with Sim Man, the mannequin used by the College of Nursing in its simulation lab.

She is one of 20 Native American high school students on campus through June 30 for the 21st Annual Na-ha-shnee Health Sciences Institute.

Na-ha-shnee has attracted Native American high school students from across the western United States throughout its 21 years. The students spend 11 days on campus and elsewhere in the community learning about health sciences careers and how to prepare for – and apply to – college.

The students have expressed an interest in health sciences careers and the hope is they go on to pursue those types of trades.

During the 11-day camp, the students learn about the health sciences programs at WSU and EWU.

In addition to learning about the health sciences programs, the students toured campus and heard from speakers on topics like college admissions, school and money, wellness, sex education and more. They also heard from Levi Horn of the N.A.T.I.V.E. Project and Yvette Roubideaux, the associate dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Leadership in the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Roubideaux is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

The students also learned about first aid and CPR:

In the nursing simulation lab, the students found out what kind of things nursing students on our campus do throughout each semester.

The students were split into two groups and treated Sim Man, with a College of Nursing instructor controlling Sim Man’s words and actions. If the Sim Man coughed, the students – with the help of current nursing students – needed to figure out how to assist him. They checked Sim Man’s vitals, blood sugar levels and managed his pain.

We wrote about nursing simulation earlier this year, and the College of Nursing produced this video on the subject:

The students also took a trip to Cusick, WA to visit the Kalispel Tribe of Indians’ Camas Path Clinic.

The camp wraps up June 30 and students will leave with a greater understanding of the health sciences and what it takes to pursue those careers. Native populations experience health care shortages, and Na-ha-shnee is one way Washington State University is working to serve them.