Local high school students shadow Brandon Hospital caregivers for health field insight

Students from Tampa Bay high schools walked alongside HCA Florida Healthcare caregivers, shadowing them as they worked at Brandon Hospital as part of the Health Science Explorers (HSE) program. They were able to experience their hopeful future occupations in the health sciences field. Six students were paired with mentors in their areas of interest across Brandon Hospital including ultrasound, nursing and cardiothoracic surgery.

Leitha Johnson, HCA coordinator of the Health Science Explorers (HSE) and Division Director of Clinical Education Programs, welcomed the students and guided them to their respective departments at Brandon Hospital to meet their mentors.
Midhat Saeed, a junior at Tampa Bay Technical High School shadowed registered nurse, Jill Johnson.

“During my time shadowing nurse Johnson, I gained invaluable insights into the daily responsibilities and challenges faced by nurses in a hospital setting. Her professionalism and empathy towards patients and their families left a lasting impression on me. This shadowing experience has reinforced my passion for medicine as a career,” said Saeed.

“We enjoyed having Midhat come to our department, A2PCU, as part of the Health Science Explorers program. I shared with her the general flow of the day for a cardiac progressive care nurse and some key points of nursing such as head to toe assessments, charting, therapeutic communications and medication administration,” said Johnson. “Midhat plans to pursue cardiology and work her way up through the ranks to someday become a physician.”
Rubicel Lopez, a junior at Strawberry Crest High School shadowed registered nurse, Betsy Gant in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU).

“This program has helped me become more motivated to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Being taught by experts, like nurse Betsy, has been a blessing. I'm thankful for this opportunity, especially for having such an amazing nurse to shadow who helped teach me the steps to becoming a doctor,” said Lopez.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Foundation created the Health Science Explorers (HSE) program with a $50,000 grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation. This program runs for two semesters. Students who complete all HSE program days will be placed into a drawing for an HCC Foundation scholarship. Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded during the Spring Learn and Lunch event later this month.