High School Students Get a First Look at a Hands-On Nursing Education

Nineteen students from Iroquois High School stepped into a different kind of classroom during a field trip to Galen’s Louisville campus.

The group experienced firsthand what an immersive nursing education looks like — from pre-simulation briefing to high-fidelity manikin scenarios.

They were welcomed by a team of Galen representatives, including three instructors, Vice President of Louisville’s GSNA Becca Milliron, and an ADN student in her second quarter, Tisha Coles. Becca and Tisha shared their perspectives as current students and assisted throughout the activities.

Just like Galen nursing students do before simulation, the high schoolers began their visit with a general pre-brief. Instructors walked them through how to safely administer medications and accurately document information in a patient’s chart.

They also emphasized an important part of the learning culture at Galen: simulation is a safe space to learn. Mistakes aren’t failures — they’re opportunities to grow. Faculty reinforced the importance of positive feedback and encouraged students to approach each activity with a confident mindset, reminding them, “I am an intelligent and capable person.”

From there, the students dove into an interactive escape room challenge designed to test foundational nursing skills.

Working through a series of hands-on tasks, they:

The activity combined critical thinking, teamwork, and attention to detail — all essential skills in nursing practice.

Next, the group moved into the simulation lab for a patient scenario. The facilitator provided an orientation to the lab environment, read the patient report, and shared the chart before inviting volunteers to step into the role of nurse.

Every student had the opportunity to interact with the high-fidelity manikin and explore its capabilities. They observed how the pupils dilate, located the radial pulse at the wrist, and listened to lung sounds and heartbeats. Students who volunteered for the scenario practiced taking vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

For many, it was their first time experiencing how realistic simulation can be and how closely it mirrors real-world patient care.

Throughout the visit, Becca and Tisha offered encouragement and insight, helping the high schoolers envision themselves in similar roles. Seeing current students in action, including one preparing to graduate and another early in her journey, provided a tangible look at what growth at Galen can look like.

By the end of the day, the Iroquois High School students left with more than just a tour. They gained a clearer understanding of the confidence, critical thinking, and hands-on preparation that define a Galen nursing education — and perhaps a glimpse of their own futures in scrubs.