BARTLETT, Tenn. — Bartlett High School seniors had the chance to learn what it's like to be on-the-job as a healthcare professional at St. Francis Hospital Thursday, and hospital staff said their hope with the program is to help address a shortage of healthcare workers.
St. Francis Hospital Bartlett's job shadowing program began in 2019, but was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They host one class from Bartlett High School each semester, and the current class doubled in size from its predecessor to 16 students.
Each student shadows a healthcare professional at the hospital twice a week, and teachers said the students are happy to be a part of the program.
“The kids absolutely love this experience," said Erin Ozment, who teaches health science at Bartlett. "They love the class. They love the opportunity to leave school early and get real world experience in a medical facility.”
St. Francis leaders said the program is a great way for students interested in the healthcare profession to open up paths for them in the industry, not only bringing in more nurses to address a national shortage, but other professions facing shortages as well.