More than 160 high school students were able to get hands-on opportunities in the diverse world of medicine during the Wilcox Health Career Fair on Wednesday at the Wilcox Medical Center.
“We are so proud to host this career fair for our high school students,” said Jen Chahanovich, president and CEO of Wilcox Medical Center and CEO of Kauai Medical Clinic. “Supporting today’s students is supporting the next generation and investing in our future.”
Students from Kapaa, Kauai and Waimea high schools joined students from Island School who participated with more than 20 vendors set up at the Wilcox Medical Center. Following the hands-on sessions at the different stations, students were also provided with a tour of the hospital facilities.
According to a press release from the Hawaii Pacific Health, the goal of the career fair is to inspire the next generation of homegrown professionals by showing them the wide range of opportunities available on Kauai.
Including the Kauai Community College Nursing Department, students toured the various departments at Wilcox Health, including the Emergency Department, intensive care unit, imaging, pharmacy, rehabilitation services and engineering.
Additionally, students were able to visit a simulation lab that uses highly advanced computerized mannequins to mimic real-life medical scenarios. Students were also taught CPR and received hands-on experience with equipment surgeons use to perform lifesaving operations.
“We’re really grateful to be here,” said David Braman, a Kauai High School student. “This is a huge opportunity for us — in a setting like this, where we hope to work one day, getting to learn about the future possibilities from people in those jobs right now.”
Several stations showcased nonclinical professions that are vital in medical centers, including environmental services, facilities maintenance, and food and nutrition services.
“We wanted to show student that there are more positions than doctors and nurses at Wilcox,” said Cathye Sataraka, Wilcox vice president of patient services and chief nurse executive. “We are glad students got to visit all the booths and departments to see what may pique their interest.”
In addition to the career fair, Wilcox Health, in partnership with the state Department of Education, offers a program at Kauai’s high schools that trains students to be nurse aides while they are still attending school.
The program, which launched at Kapaa High School in 2022, is a semester-long course that includes classroom learning and hands-on clinical training. Graduates of the program can demonstrate 87 fundamental nurse aide skills.
Graduates are also given priority employment consideration at Wilcox and other Hawaii Pacific Health facilities across the state, allowing them to get a head start on their careers as they continue their education.
This program has expanded to Waimea High School.
During last year, 17 students from Waimea and Kapaa participated in the nurse aide program. All 17 candidates graduated.
