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TRiO students job shadow at Ochsner LSU Health

Published February 27, 2024

Trio Ochsner

CAPTION: Students from Neville and Wossman High Schools, as well as high schools in Richland Parish, pose with staff TRiO Educational Talent Search and Ochsner LSU Health. The students participated in National Job Shadowing Day on February 1, 2024.


MONROE, LA A select group of sophomores from Neville and Wossman High Schools and Richland Parish celebrated National Job Shadowing Day on Thursday, February 1, by touring Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Medical Center, courtesy of the TRiO Educational Talent Search Program.

Hospital staff spoke to the group about relevant topics, including Nursing, Tobacco Cessation, Pharmacy, Radiology and Imaging, Lab and Pathology, and Ochsner Opportunities. Then students spent extended time touring and job-shadowing in several departments, including Pharmacy, Radiology, and Lab. Lunch was served and students enjoyed a variety of hands-on STEM activities by rotating through five different STEM stations. These activities included looking through a microscope, tobacco cessation techniques, sorting and counting “pills” (Skittles), checking blood pressure, and applying tourniquets and constricting bands to stop and slow bleeding. All of the students learned the importance of protecting patients’ privacy via HIPAA compliance. Each student completed an evaluation of the day’s experiences.

Neville High sophomore Jeniyah Graham stated, “One thing I loved about this day was the speech about nursing. It really encouraged me to want to become a future nurse or to do mammograms.”

“In the midst of a shortage of healthcare professionals across multiple specialties, it is wonderful to host young people who are interested in exploring careers in the healthcare field,” said Beverly Lewis, MPA, BSN, RN, and Director of Economic Development & Community Initiatives at Ochsner.“Our Ochsner LSU Health Monroe team members were excited to share their knowledge and enjoyed spending time with the STEM students, and we look forward to witnessing their future success.”

The group ended the day with treats at Marble Slab Creamery in Monroe before returning to their respective schools.

TRiO Educational Talent Search is a federally funded college-access program whose mission is to increase the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education. TRiO ETS has been assisting area students for more than 35 years. For more information about Talent Search, contact Mrs. Debbie Upshaw at (318)342-1094, or visit /research/trio/talent_search.html


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