UMSON promoted nursing as a future career with hands-on activities during the two-day event.
On July 24 and 25, the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) proudly hosted the Ocean Bowl Regional Championships for the first time. Organized by Steam Your Dreams, a nonprofit organization, the event was designed to engage, inspire, and empower youth to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). UMSON at USG participated as an exhibitor, offering hands-on activities including baby swaddling, auscultation of heart and lung sounds using sound trainers, and extremity wrapping with ACE bandages. Approximately 250 children, ages 8 - 14, engaged with nursing activities over the two-day event.
Participants were enthusiastic and engaged. One student exclaimed, “I can’t believe it — I can literally hear my heartbeat!” Others correctly identified asthma after listening to lung sounds and suggested using an inhaler. A particularly insightful response came from a student who, upon hearing distressed sounds from a trainer, remarked, “They’re experiencing some trauma — I want to help them.”
"This was an amazing opportunity to introduce kids to the world of STEAM careers — especially nursing, our own path," said Jean Gambo, MSN, RNC, nurse simulation specialist at USG. "It was incredible to see their eyes light up as they realized there are so many possibilities out there for them. Helping them see how their talents could shape their future was a privilege, and we can’t wait for next year."
pictured, l. to r.: Ivy Serna, instructional technology specialist; Kelby Johnson, manager of simulation coordination; Jean Gambo, nurse simulation specialist; Kathleen Stewart, simulation training specialist; and Anne Khademian, executive director of USG