M.A.S.H. Camp inspires future health care workers
When Olivia Brooks was younger, she was certain she wanted to become a physical therapist. But when she had the chance to attend MultiCare Academy for Students in Healthcare (M.A.S.H.) Camp, formerly known as Nurse Camp, the then-high school student leaped at the opportunity.
What Brooks experienced over the weeklong program in 2007 changed the course of her life. She now has MSN, RN, NPD-BC and CMSRN credentials.
“I discovered so much variation in the nursing profession and so many areas of specialization,” she explains. “It introduced me to nursing as a whole and gave me a boost of confidence that I could see myself being a nurse someday.”
Brooks is one of hundreds of students to participate in M.A.S.H. Camp since its inception in 2004. This free, weeklong community enrichment program introduces students to nursing and allied health professions, drawing sophomores, juniors and seniors from across the Puget Sound.
M.A.S.H. Camp opens career pathways by allowing youth to explore health care professions in a hospital setting, says Sheri Mitchell, RN, community outreach program manager for MultiCare’s Center for Health Equity and Wellness.
Local high school students explore the multifaceted world of health career careers at the free, week-long camp.
“M.A.S.H. Camp is a time of exploration; to be open to new things and discover new things,” says Mitchell. “It’s a time of discovery when students may discover this is what they want to do, or it’s not what they want to do, but we can hopefully inspire them to come into the health care profession.”
Over the course of the week, students get hands-on experience with skills ranging from suturing to splinting to placing IVs. They have the opportunity to job shadow in hospitals, tour local college campuses and hear from professionals in various clinical and nonclinical disciplines.
“I see this as an opportunity to experience what I want to do professionally,” says high school senior Alondra Gomez, who wants to be an oncologist. “I want to get closer to that in any way possible, and this was a really good experience.”
High school senior Zoe Perez’s experience with a family member’s diagnosis inspired her to pursue a career as either a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. Perez is hoping her experience at this year’s camp will help her decide which path to follow.
“I want to be able to provide another family the same comfort and care my family received,” she says. “Camp has opened up a bunch of new doors for me to do that.”
M.A.S.H. Camp is unlike many summer programs in that it is free to attend. While program admission is competitive, it aims to reach students who may have something to contribute to the field.
“We’re looking for the students who are interested in science and math and engineering, and we’re looking for students who don’t have a 4.0 that we might be able to encourage,” says Mitchell. “You never know who is interested in this career field, so we’re looking for various backgrounds.”
Junior Latajanique Harris saw a video of M.A.S.H. Camp and decided to apply.
“I’m leaning toward a career in medicine now that I’ve had this experience,” she says. “Without M.A.S.H. Camp, I would be really in the shadows about what this field is about.”
Another important goal of M.A.S.H. Camp is to diversify the workforce so providers better reflect the populations they serve, helping ensure patients get treated by providers and health care professionals that reflect their communities.
This year, 60 students attended camp — 34 from Pierce County, 14 from South King County, 10 from Thurston County and two from Kitsap County.
“These students are the future of health care,” says Brooks, who now works at MultiCare, educating and onboarding nurses at various stages of their careers. “M.A.S.H. Camp gives them a safe space to explore their interests at a pivotal time in their lives.”
