Sangamon Sun

HSHS St. John’s Hospital recently hosted its fifth High School Healthcare Bootcamp, welcoming 21 high school students from Central Illinois on December 30. The event was designed for juniors and seniors considering a career in healthcare, offering them insights into various roles within the field and opportunities to network with professionals.

Ericka Mulroy, Nursing Professional Development Specialist for Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), explained the benefits of the program: “Through these job-shadowing experiences, students are able to learn the roles of the career, the type of education that is required, skills that are performed and then network with our medical professionals.” She noted that participants engaged in hands-on skill sessions and interacted directly with HSHS employment specialists regarding potential career paths.

The bootcamp featured 17 department experiences aimed at solidifying students' interest in healthcare before they complete high school. The initiative was made possible by funding from HSHS St. John’s Foundation, allowing students to attend free of charge.

Students came from several high schools including Athens, Glenwood, Hillsboro, Jacksonville, Lanphier, Litchfield, Pleasant Plains, Riverton, Rochester, Sacred Heart-Griffin, Springfield Southeast, Taylorville and Williamsville.

For those unable to attend but interested in similar opportunities with HSHS in the future, additional job-shadowing options will be available.