Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

ST. FRANCIS HEALTH CENTER - Topeka, KS
Explorer Post Program

What is it?
St. Francis Health Center and the Boy Scouts collaborated in the fall of 2005 on an Explorer Post program to introduce high school students to medical careers. The program, now offered each fall, enables high school students to sign up for a nine-week evening course that shows them the realities of working as a nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist or other medical professional in an emergency room, nursing floor, surgery, pharmacy or other Health Center setting. Through hands-on activities and conversations with St. Francis employees, students learn the pros and cons of various positions to determine whether a particular occupation would be right for them. The program has been popular with students, especially the LifeStar helicopter demonstrations and candid discussions with health care professionals about the perils of drinking and driving and other hazards.

Who is it for?
The program is open to any area high school student interested in learning more about health care occupations.

Why do they do it?
The Boy Scouts developed the program and partnered with St. Francis Health Center to help address long-term concerns about shortages in nursing and allied health occupations.

Contact: Kim Gronniger
Administrator, Marketing, Planning and Communications
785-295-8899
Kimberly.Gronniger@stfrancistopeka