In the Operating Room…(well, sort of)
 

   Have you ever wondered how doctors and nurses get organized in the operating room as they prepare for a surgery? The afternoon junior Health Careers class at Vantage got the chance to experience what it’s like in the operating room (almost). Mrs. Sylvia Pickett, a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) from Mercy Western Hills Hospital in Cincinnati, visited the class on Friday, May 2.
Her presentation was unique. The students were assigned “roles” and a corner of the Health Careers lab was turned into a set that looked very similar to an operating room. Sarah Korte from Lincolnview was the “surgeon”, Lizzy Osborn from Antwerp was the “assistant to the surgeon”, Chris Cunningham from Crestview was the “certified registered nurse anesthetist” and Michelle Foertch from Van Wert was the “certified surgical technologist”. The “patient” was CJ King from Van Wert. It was an incredible opportunity for the students.
    Earlier in the week, all the junior Health Careers students spent time at Van Wert County Hospital. After touring the entire facility on Monday, the remainder of the week was filled with students observing in several areas including medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, intensive care, radiology, cardio pulmonary services and other areas of the hospital . Students learned more about health care employment possibilities, the education needed for specific areas, approximate salaries that could be expected, the pros and cons of the job and the availability of jobs in the future.
    A special thanks to everyone at Van Wert County Hospital who took the time to help these students get a glimpse into the health career field.
    Photo caption:  Mrs. Sylvia Pickett (left), a surgical technician from Cincinnati, orchestrates a group of Vantage junior Health Careers students as they take on roles of operating room personnel in the Vantage Health Careers lab. Students pictured are (left to right) Lizzy Osborn (Antwerp), Chris Cunningham (Crestview), Sarah Korte (Lincolnview) and Michelle Foertch (Van Wert).