St. Gianna Health Academy

By: Ryan Zwick

Orientation Week

We spent the first two week of health academy in orientation. We spent two days touring Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis St. and Via Christi Hospital

on East Harry. We also were spoken to by Kim Frankenburg, Officer Greg Dick, and Mary

Wiseman, each of whom are active in the Health Academy Program and have been with Via Christi

for many years. Kim Frankenburg spoke to us about hand washing techniques and our hand

washing presentations. Officer Greg Dick spoke to us about hospital safety and security. Mary

Wiseman spoke to us about volunteering at the hospital. We also learned about our weekly work for the class. Our weekly work includes rotations, writing thank you cards, filling out mentor forms,

and blogging about our rotation.

Thank You Cards

Front Cover

Back Cover Inside

Front

Back

FrontBack

Inside

Thank You LettersDr. Fetterolf Meg Trump

Thank You LettersZoo 4 Southeast

Thank You Letters Burn Unit

BlogsI spent week 6 in respiratory

at St. Francis. Due to the retreat I was only on rotations for one day. During my one day i followed a repiratory

therapist who was RCAT which meant she was in

charge of new patients for the day. She gave an

inhaled medication to a couple of people which

helped with opening up the broncoli in the lungs. She also did an evaluation on

two men. Overall it was not very interesting, and pretty

boring.

I spent week 9 in the Burn Unit. This was not a unit that I was looking forward to going to, and after visiting it is not a unit that i could ever imagine working in. The first day that i was there I saw a little boy who had scalding

burns on his leg. I got there just in time to see them changing his bandages which was tough

to watch. I also saw a lady who had a flesh eating bacteria on her arm. They had

completed a successful skin graph on her arm and were repairing the damage, but it was still

not a pretty site. The second day there was nothing going on so they let me follow a burn patient to surgery. The patient had

suffered their degree burns due to electricity on his scalp, both hands, and one forearm. In surgery they cleaned up the damaged area

and put a new VAC bandage on all of his burns. This was extremely interesting and was

definately the best thing that I have expirience thus far in health academy.

BlogsI spent week 8 in PICU. This

was not very interesting because there was really

nothing to do. They had one patient who was a little boy

who had nueroblastoma which is brain cancer. He had been in

intensive care for around 2 weeks and by this time the

cancer had developed to stage 4. At this point they were

trying to shrink the cancer so that the boy could spend his

final days at home. I read this patients chart but that’s about

it.

I spent week 11 in NCCU at St. Francis. The first day when I got there they sent me to

Endocardiogram. Which is an operating room located on the first floor, where they usually perform catheters and things involving the

brain. The patient they were operating on had a clot in their brain that was blocking off all

blood supply to the left part of her brain. Her left part of her brain was without blood supply for 6 hours. The doctor successfully removed a very large clot. It was very interesting to

see. He did resupply her left side of the brain with blood but during the night her brain

hemmoraged and she died.The second day I followed a nurse and she

had a couple of interesting cases that she was treating. There was a young man who had a number of medical problems. I got to see a bronchoscope performed on him which was

very intersting. I also got to see an x-ray of a man who broke his femur. NCCU was a very

interesting unit and the nurses were very nice and helpful.

BlogsI spent week 7 in the OR at St. Francis. Overall the OR was really cool and I have never seen anything like it before. The first operating room I went into the nurse told me to stand in the back. So at first I could not see much, I could not even tell what part of the body they

were operating on. After probably 40 minutes of standing in the back another nurse told me to move up and I got to stand by the persons head to get a close

look at everything. They had pretty much finished surgery by the time I moved but still got to see them stitching up the muscle layers, which was interesting

enough. I figured out the lady was turned onto her side and they removed the bottom part of her lung.

After they stitched her up I got to see a bronchoscope and the doctor let me look, which was really cool. The

next surgery I saw was after they had removed a lady's breast who had breast cancer. I just saw them stitching

her up and removing some lymph nodes from her armpit.

Mentor Forms

Mentor Forms

Mentor Forms

Cover Letter

Subject: Dental Hygienist

I am pursuing a career as a Dental Hygienist; included is my resume and references.

My background in science consists of: Physical Science, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, and Physics. My background in math consists of: Honors Algebra I, Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra II, Trigonometry, and AP Calculus. I have also been study at Via Christi Hospitals in Wichita. I spend two days a week shadowing a hospital professional, and I spend three days a week in the classroom studying, blogging, and working on projects.

My work experience consists of Lawn Mowing, which I have done from 2005 to present. Lawn Mowing has taught me how to run and business and satisfy customers. I started my own business so first I had to recruit customers. Once I gained their business I have had to keep it year after year. I have been able to keep their business by offering a good service at a low cost. I also have a summer job as a Life Guard at Crestview Country Club. Life guarding has also given me some insightful work experience. It has taught me how to deal with people of all ages, from toddlers to adults. Life guarding has also puts you in a position of command, so I do have some experience controlling large numbers of people and being in charge.

Best Regards,

Ryan Zwick

Resume

References

References

Mrs. Denise Clarke-HangProgram Director and Curriculum

Coordinator929 N. St. FrancisWichita, KS 67214

denise.clarke-hang@viachristi.org(316) 619-5180

Mr. Claudio FerarroPresident of Via Christi Hospital

on E. Harry3600 E. Harry St.Wichita, KS 67218cferarro@cox.net(316) 682-6898

Mrs. Sacia QuattlebaumPool Manager at Crestview

Country Club8000 West Westlawn Circle

Wichita, KS 67212squattlebaum@usd259.net

(316) 516-0018

Mrs. Susan HungerfordMowing customer

13327 Tallowood Ct.Wichita, KS 67230

shungerford@cox.net(316) 733-4932

Hand Washing

We had hand washing presentations that we performed for

four different schools. We had a poster, acted out a skit, sang a song, and passed out coloring

sheets, soap bars, and toothbrushes. We presented the importance of hand washing and

brushing your teeth.

Hand Washing

Career Possibilities

Dental Hygienist I am interested in dental hygienist because I like clean teeth. I am more interested in becoming a dentist and opening my own practice but dental

hygienist would be the first step towards that career. Dental hygienists are usually required to

have an associate degree or a certificate in dental hygiene. Completion of a bachelor degree

would increase your opportunity for a dental hygienist job.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11

Edition, Dental Hygienists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm (visited

September 02, 2010).

Career PossibilitiesPharmacy Technician

I am interested in pharmacy technician because I think it would be interesting to know how different drugs affect the

body. There are no standard training requirements for pharmacy technicians. There are many different ways to receive training including community colleges, hospitals, and the military. Programs require 6 months to 2 years of

training depending on the program. There is also on the job training ranging from 3 to 12 months. Most pharmacist

technicians work in a retail setting. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Pharmacy Technicians and Aides, on the Internet at

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos325.htm (visited September 02, 2010).

Career PossibilitiesSurgical Technician

I am interested in surgical technician because it would be a fast paced high stress job but you are not the person with all of the responsibility. Surgical technicians receive their formal training from community and junior colleges, universities, and

hospitals. Programs last 9 to 24 months and lead to a certificate, diploma, or an associate’s degree. In order to stay qualified technicians must repeat the course or pass the test

again. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Surgical Technologists, on the Internet at

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos106.htm (visited September 02, 2010).

Career PossibilitiesDentist

I am interested in becoming a dentist because it allows you to work with and help people. Dental school require at least

two years of college level pre-dental education before admittance. However 85% of dental students have a

bachelor’s degree before dental school. Students can expect courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. All dental students are required to take the Dental Admissions Test.

Scores will help determine who is admitted to dental school. Dental school usually last 4 academic years. Studies begin

with classroom and laboratory work in anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology. During the last two years of school dentist treat patients usually in clinics

under supervision of licensed dentist. You can earn a degree in Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Dentists,

on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos072.htm (visited September 02, 2010).

Career PossibilitiesOrthodontist

I am interested in becoming an orthodontist because it allows you to work

with people and help people while straightening their teeth. Orthodontist are specialized dentist so the undergraduate

and dental school would be the same requirements as above. In order to get into orthodontic school you must graduate from

dental with honors or with very good grades. Orthodontic usually last 2-3 years.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5033409_being-orthodontist.html

Career PossibilitiesFamily Practice/ Physician

I am interested in becoming a family practice doctor because I would be able to help people and get to know my patients. Formal

education includes 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and then 3 years of residency. Premed students

complete courses in physics, biology, math, English, and chemistry. To get into medical school most applicants have a bachelor degree usually in biology. Acceptance into medical

school is very competitive. Students also take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) which is looked at to determine whether

they are accepted along with personality, character, and leadership qualities. The first two years of medical school include

mainly science classes and labs. During the last two years of medical school students examine patients and diagnose illnesses under the supervision of experienced physicians. After graduating medical school physicians enter residency where they work long

hours for not great pay. After 11 years of normal education, doctors can then specialize in other areas.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, `Physicians and Surgeons, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos074.htm

(visited September 09, 2010).

Lecture Summaries

Dr. Summerhouse- Family PracticeDr. Summerhouse is a family practitioner, who has 35 years of experience in the

field. He informed our class on how to become a doctor, and some of his personal experiences as a doctor. Dr. Summerhouse explained the different steps to becoming a

doctor, the duties of a family practitioner, and the daily life of a doctor. There are three advanced degrees of people who care for patients. The first type is

an advanced training nurse. This is a registered nurse plus two years of advanced training, usually in a specific field. The second type is a physician assistant. In order to become a physician assistant you must complete a four year degree from a college.

The third type is a doctor. Doctors require the most training, usually four years of undergraduate, four years of medical school, and an additional three years as a

resident. Since doctors require the most training they are in charge. There are multiple medical schools throughout the US, although each have

different requirements to get in. Each medical school is very competitive to be admitted. You are required to take the MCAT test, and are screened on everything from

grades to personality. If you graduate from a medical school you have your medical doctorate, but you may not be able to see patients until you acquire your state’s

license.As a family practitioner you are expected to be able to do everything. While

surgeons just focus on surgery and radiologist focus on reading x-rays, family practitioners must know how to do everything. The more training you receive once you are a doctor can raise your pay. Pediatricians are the lowest paid medical doctors. As a family practitioner you can expect to work 12 hours then be off for 12 hours. Although you may be called in if one of your patients has an emergency. This can make for very long hours for some doctors, so doctors usually treasure the time they get with their

kids.

Clinical PsychologistOn October first we had Carrissa Coleman, who is a clinical psychologist

come and speak to our class. She is going to graduate in December with a doctorate in psychology from WSU. She shared with us the different types of

psychology, how to get a degree in psychology, what you can do with a degree in psychology, and her personal story.

First of all there are many different kinds of psychology. Mrs. Coleman is getting a degree in clinical psychology. A clinical psychologist must have a

doctorate degree. They mainly practice psychology but they may also do some research or supervise. Another type of psychology is community psychology.

Community psychology is more of a research degree. Community psychologists deal with the research and prevention of social problems and also try to predict problems in the future. Community psychologists practice positive psychology

which is focusing on the well being of people and how they adapt instead of what is wrong with them. Another type of psychology is developmental psychology.

Development psychologist focus on how people develop over their life. This ranges from helping young children with emotional abuse to helping adults and

elderly with aging. To attain a degree in psychology there are usually four years of

schooling for a bachelor’s degree, then an additional five years for a doctorate in psychology. To get into graduate school you must complete the GOD test,

evaluations, and have reference letters from people who you have worked with. Work experience is also very helpful. Once you are in graduate school it turns

into more of a mentorship. You study a professors work for the four or five years that you are in graduate school. You complete graduate school by doing a

dissertation which is an in depth research study. You must research literature, design a research study, create a hypothesis, design it, write it, then get the

results and discuss what actually happened.

Respiratory Therapy On October 29 Meg Trump, director of Respiratory Therapy

at Newman University spoke to us about the profession and the program at Newman. She began with a video that outlined the work

of Respiratory therapists. Respiratory therapists are a new health care profession but their work is very important and their numbers

are on the rise. Respiratory Therapists are a necessity in every hospital. In a hospital setting they are generally have a lounge and offices located in the middle of the building, because they provide care to patients in all areas of the hospital. Respiratory therapists also work in clinical settings, diagnostic labs, and nursing homes. Some therapists even visit patient homes. Respiratory therapists

work with all ages, very literally. They are present in the room when a child is born and many times they are next to a person as

they take their last breath. Respiratory therapists are very dependent on technology, therefore they must be very adaptable to different technological changes. They must be the first to learn

these technological changes because they are generally who teaches the doctors about these.

Respiratory therapists work in many different areas, with man different people, and encountering many different diseases.

Being a new profession job availability is high. Because it is just an associate degree it only takes two and a half years to complete and

the average annual salary is $52,000.

Radiology Technician (Rad Tech)On November 5 the direction of Radiology Technician at

Newman University spoke to us about the profession and the program offered at Newman. Rad Tech is a 2 year associate degree. The director of Rad Tech at Newman spoke to us about what a radiology technician

does, the different machines that they use, and he showed us some images that they take.

Radiology Technicians provide nursing care, follow ethical practices, provide radiation protection for their patients, and provide quality assurance measures for their patients. Rad Techs must also

position the patients. They work with numerous different beds and they must know how to position each bed. They also must know how to

position the body in order to get the best view of the area that is to be examined. Rad Techs must also select the proper amount of Radiation

exposure. This depends of what they are looking and who they are looking at for the proper amount of radiation. Rad Techs also assist the

radiologist in taking x-rays, and in reading some x-rays. On an x-ray bone will appear white, air or gas will appear black, and barium will

appear inima. The director of Radiology also showed and explained some of

the different machines that radiologist use and how those machines work/ what they work for. An MRI machine uses magnetic and

radiowaves, and works best on examining soft tissue. He also showed us a CT scanner and a sonography.

NursingOn November 5, the director of nursing at Newman University

spoke to us about nursing and their program. She started by saying that nurses like science, people, learning, thinking on their feet, and

working as a team. She also spoke to us about the different license/degrees that nurses can earn. Finally she spoke to us about the Newman curriculum and the different professions for nurses.

To become a nurse you must pass the National Registered Nurse Licensure Exam. This is a test that is given to all nursing

students once they have completed their coursework. In order to take this test you must have completed nursing coursework. After passing the exam you are a Registered Nurse, commonly referred to as an RN. Newman offers a program that allows you to receive your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This is a 4 year degree that after completion you are eligible to sit for the National Registered Nurse Licensure Exam. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing requires that you complete two years of prerequisite courses, and then two years of nursing school.

Once in nursing school you take different courses on nursing and then you spend some time in the nursing field, and get experience helping

an RN. Nurses practice in hospitals, research, schools, clinics, and

offices. Their starting wage is $19.00 an hour, which is about $60,000 a year. In a hospital setting they work 3 days a week for 12 hour

shifts. It is estimated that there will be a shortage of 500,000 nurses to 1,000,000 nurses in the next 20 years.

The ZooOn Friday November 12 our class visited the Sedgwick County Zoo. It was a very wet and

rainy day but it ended up being a very fun and interesting experience. During our visit to the zoo we talked to one of the lead veterinarians, Dr. Bryant, and a veterinary technician, Jenny Kropf. These two

showed us some diagrams, let us listen to the sounds and, showed us sonograms of animal hearts. They also showed us a couple of real animal hearts. They also let us listen for ourselves to three of

their animals heart. Dr. Bryant and Jenny Kropf began by showing us pictures of different animals hearts. They

explained that all mammals have four chambered hearts. In a four chambered heart blood enters into the right atrium, then it passes into the right ventricle, then all of the blood is sent near the lungs for

the oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion. Then the blood is sent to the left atrium, then the left ventricle where it is then sent out into the entire body. They also showed us diagrams of 3 chambered hearts

which some birds or fish may have. In a 3 chambered heart not all of the blood is sent immediately to the lungs for blood transfusion. Small animals have three chambered hearts and their hearts pump at

very high rates to compensate for not all of the blood going immediately to the lungs. Next they played some recorded sounds from animals hearts. It showed the huge

difference in the heart rate of the animals. There were even some animals who had such big hearts that an echo could be heard.

We also saw sonograms of animals hearts on their computer. On some of the sonograms you could see the atrioventricular valve shutting. The atrioventricular valve is actually what creates the

sound of a heartbeat. Finally they showed us a couple of real animal hearts that had been taken out of animals

who had died. They first showed us a rat’s heart which was very small. Next they showed us a giraffes heart which was very large.

After they were done speaking to us they let us listen to the heart of a chicken, a goat, and a horse. The chicken had a very fast heart rate, while the goat had a similar heart rate to humans, and

they horse had a very slow heart rate.

Final Reflection

Overall the St. Gianna Health Academy has been

a great experience. The program has given me

real examples of what it is like to work in the

medical field. It has also introduced me to a wide

variety of medical fields. I have also enjoyed the

experience of being in professional situations,

and acting professionally. The program has also

sparked further interest in the medical field for

me. St. Gianna Health Academy is a great

experience for high school kids to get involved in

the medical field.

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