University of St. Thomas-Houston's Peavy School of Nursing will collaborate with DiscoverU and CompassRN again this year to host its second annual Nursing Camp on Aug. 7 – 11. The camp was a resounding success last year. UST admitted four campers to its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for fall 2023.

Nursing Camp Exposes Students to World of Healthcare Possibilities 

Last year, the camp hosted 35 minority students for a four-day experience in July, exposing students to a world of healthcare possibilities in a rapidly expanding field.

Nakisha Paul, director of the Simulation Center & Educational Support Services for PSON, said, “Over four days, we listened to a host of engaging speakers from all areas of nursing; inpatient and outpatient; occupational health; psychiatry; vocational programs; nurse practitioners; travel nurses; and infusion nurses to name a few. We also brought in allied health science occupations like social work and medical billing and coding to discuss healthcare options outside of nursing.”

Learn about the Student Experience

As part of the camp, attendees received meals, scrub uniforms, skill kits for use in the simulation lab, stethoscopes they got to keep, CPR training and certification, and participated in daily nurse panels. They took a special tour of UST’s campus and the simulation lab at PSON. The camp includes a graduation ceremony attended by students and their parents.  

“New to the camp this year, campers will stay overnight in UST’s Guinan Residence Hall giving them full college experience,” Paul said. “They will stay overnight in the dorms for three days, eat in the cafeteria and go to classes in the Center for Science and Health Professions building.

Register for the 2023 Nursing Camp

This year, the nursing camp will accept 35 students in grades 9, 10 and 11. The deadline for the application is May 1, 2023. Apply here.

Funding for this program comes from HISD. Executive Director Jennifer Ertel is the leader for HISD’s College Readiness program.

DiscoverU works in schools to connect youth to experiential learning that puts them on the path to career, college, and life success.  They currently serve all HISD schools and select schools across the city. Ashley Willett serves as COO of DiscoverU.

CompassRN is a nurse-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization connecting youth to health education and the field of nursing. They target middle and high school students in underserved and underrepresented communities who voice strong interest in the nursing field. Executive Director Renee Omoyeni founded CompassRN.

The Peavy School of Nursing offers a range of excellent programs from which to choose: BSN, ABSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, DNP and PMHNP. Students ready to advance into a nursing career should check out their opportunities to earn a degree at UST. Check them out here.