Second graders at John F. Kennedy Elementary recently completed the Junior Scrubs program, a hands-on experience that introduces students to health careers and wellness.
The three-week program featured interactive lessons and guest presenters. Students learned about hand hygiene, nursing tools, radiology, surgery, sun safety, physical therapy and emergency services. The experience concluded with a hospital tour at Claxton-Hepburn Medical campus, where students visited human resources to receive their visitor badges and were welcomed to the hospital by Chief Nursing Officer David Ferris. Students visited departments at the hospital, including radiology, physical therapy, surgical services, laboratory, the cancer treatment center, pharmacy, infusion and radiation oncology. They also enjoyed lunch in the hospital board room.
Teachers said the program helped students view hospitals in a positive way while connecting classroom learning to real-world careers.
“It helped students realize how important the hospital is to the community,” second-grade teacher Lisa Smith said. “It connected them with faces at the hospital and demonstrated how healthcare provides jobs, helps people and saves lives.”
“I’d like to work in the medical field because I’d get to help people,” student Jaidyn Doyle said. “I have a family member who works in the emergency room, so I’d like to work in the ER or perform surgeries.”
“I liked learning about X-rays,” student Mason Dain said. “I enjoy learning about bones and how the body works.”
The program also addressed common misconceptions about hospitals.
“Some students associate a hospital with being hurt or a family member being there, so they are afraid,” Smith said. “This helped them see the hospital in a non-threatening way.”
Teachers noted that the program boosted student engagement and attendance. “Every morning the kids would ask if they had Junior Scrubs that day,” Smith said. “It provided students with a hands-on learning opportunity that motivated them to be at school.”
Junior Scrubs was created by the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO) and originally served older students in after-school programs. After partnering with Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus, a member of the North Star Health Alliance, the team adapted the program for younger students during the school day so all could participate. Jenny Crandall, program director with North Star Health Alliance, leads the initiative.
