Recommended Citation
Leistico K. Racing Together: HERO Camp’s Collaborative Path to Empower Youth. Poster presentation at: 2026 ANPD Aspire Convention; March 25, 2026; Louisville, KY.
Presentation Notes
Poster presentation at: 2026 ANPD Aspire Convention; March 25, 2026; Louisville, KY
Abstract
The healthcare workforce is facing significant challenges and requires diverse, well-prepared future generations to meet the nation's growing demands. Literature recommends implementing programs to introduce adolescents to healthcare disciplines and recruit the next generation workforce. Led by a nursing professional development specialist (NPDS), a collaborative partnership was formed between a non-profit urban adolescent empowerment group and volunteer services to develop a camp experience exploring healthcare careers. A theme was created highlighting the camp: HERO (Healthcare Explorers Reaching Occupations). The goal of the camp was to increase adolescents' understanding of various healthcare career paths, stimulate career interest, and network with nursing and other clinical professionals. Following the inaugural camp, a partnership was formed with the director of Community Health to make it a recurring event for other underrepresented adolescent groups. Based on literature, pre- and post- survey questions were developed. Combined pre-survey data from two HERO Camps demonstrated that while 94.6% of the participants planned to attend college, only 35.2% knew about career options in healthcare, and 34.7% understood how healthcare workers took care of patients.ThroughputsNPDS formed collaborative relationships with interdisciplinary partners from pharmacy, imaging, laboratory, nursing, respiratory therapy, surgical services, and rehabilitation services. The NPDS intentionally recruited diverse presenters, considering age, race, gender, years of experience, spanning from bedside to leadership. The NPDS mentored the presenters on learning engagement and facilitation strategies, specific to the age-group and diverse learner needs, focusing on hands-on activities and simulation. A structured agenda was created, featuring a welcome from a c-suite executive and a brief overview by the NPDS on why to choose healthcare careers and their education and training requirements. Following the introduction, participants rotated through stations, engaging with clinical presenters who shared personal career journeys and academic paths. Based on feedback after the first event, station timing was increased from 20 to 25 minutes. A station was added for volunteer services staff who shared opportunities, and a member of a national student healthcare organization who promoted exploring or creating chapters at the participants' school. Anticipated challenges included scanning of QR codes for pre/post surveys due to availability of personal devices, so paper surveys were provided. Flexibility with the schedule was needed as bus services were untimely for both events.
In the post-survey, “Knew about career options" increased to 82.9% and “Understood how healthcare workers took care of patients" increased to 83.0%. Future offerings will expand to rural settings within the healthcare organization's footprint. Possible future topics in HERO camp may include a review of social determinants of health and impact on the health of community adolescents, recruitment and retention of adolescent volunteers, and information on Certified Nursing Assistant programs. Discussions are underway to measure ROI and track enrollment of participants in post-secondary healthcare courses of study. Presenter survey feedback was positive, and additional job satisfaction and retention measures may be evaluated. By inspiring and educating underprivileged adolescents today, HERO camps can ignite a passion for healthcare careers and accelerate the development of the future healthcare workforce!
Document Type
Poster