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McHenry County News DISPLAY ADVERTISING & CLASSIFIEDS: 815-654-4850 • CIRCULATION: 815-654-4854 • E-MAIL: McHenryNews@RVPublishing.com
VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 52
11512 N. 2nd ST. • MACHESNEY PARK, IL 61115
THURSDAY, DEC. 20, 2018
Junior High students explore future careers at Mercyhealth
On Wednesday, Nov. 28, Harvard Junior High students donned their winter coats and took a walking field trip to Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center. Theresa Hollinger, director of nursing and patient care services, and nursing supervisor Tracy Perkins led students through an interactive tour of the hospital. The field trip included a backstage look at Mercyhealth’s emergency, inpatient, laboratory, occupational and physical therapy, radiology, and surgical departments. Students learned about the extensive careers available in medicine, and the staff explained the educational requirements for each position. “Being on site is different from a career fair,” Perkins said. “It gives students a glimpse of daily life in a working hospital.” As they explored the departments, students tested medical equipment, handled instruments, and discussed how medicine related to their science classrooms. Eighth-grader MaKayla Davis said the surgery simulation was her favorite part of the tour. Harvard Junior High science teacher Ranell Blue said, “this is a chance for students to be exposed to the application of science in the workplace and see that science is all around us.” At the end of the tour, a panel of Mercyhealth staff held a candid conversation about salaries
students could expect to earn from a medical career. Hollinger stressed the importance of staying in school. “Even if you don’t know what you want to do, completing core classes will help you no matter what you pursue,” Hollinger said. “Mercyhealth is providing a great opportunity for our students,” said Maura Bridges, District 50’s director of college and career readiness. “Exposure to the many options available in healthcare helps students see opportunities for their future. We are so grateful for this partnership.” Harvard High School students will visit Mercyhealth in January.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS McHenry County News
(Right) Harvard Junior High students check their pulse with registered nurse Sara Wiaduck.
(Right) Harvard Junior High students perform simulated surgery with nursing supervisor Tracy Perkins and director of nursing Theresa Hollinger.
(Below) Harvard Junior High students test a vein viewer with registered nurse Sara Wiaduck.
MCHENRY COUNTY SHERIFF PHOTO McHenry County News
Officers participate in Shop with a Cop
Another Shop with a Cop Program success! Thank you McHenry County Police Charities for funding this wonderful event. Our Deputies and Correctional Officers shopped with children at three different Walmart stores throughout the county Dec. 9.