Nursing Student Encourages

Middle-School Students to

Consider a Career in Health Care

Contact: Pam Roe
S218 School of Nursing
(573) 884-2690

November 10, 2006

COLUMBIA , Mo. – Patrick Hogarty, a senior nursing student, has invited 6 th graders to the MU Sinclair School of Nursing on Monday, Nov. 13, for an afternoon of future contemplation – their future. His capstone course requires him to work 90 community service hours through a program of his choice in the mid-Missouri area. In collaboration with the MU Office of Service Learning, he chose to engage Boys and Girls Club children to consider a career in the health-care profession.

“There are so many exciting opportunities in the health-care profession,” Hogarty said. “And many times young students only think about being a nurse or doctor. I want to change their perceptions at an early age so they can make more informed decisions as they approach high school age and start making career decisions.”

That is also the mission of the Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia (BGC) area. The partnership was a natural fit for both Hogarty and BGC. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Hogarty believes that a career in health care also provides these values as you take your place in the community as an adult.

These students will meet service animals as well as talk with professionals in respiratory therapy, pharmacy, nursing and medicine. They will also learn how to listen to their own chest sounds, take blood pressures and make other patient assessments with his and other professional nurses' guidance. Hogarty's program is also a part of the Office of Service Learning Kids on Campus “Health Day,” which will be held in the School of Nursing's 3rd floor student lounge from 4 – 7 pm, Monday, Nov. 13.

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