Twenty-three students from Bossier Parish toured Louisiana Tech’s nursing department after Tech nursing students presented service learning projects on STD prevention at their school.

The students represent three high schools and are concurrently enrolled in a certified nurse assistant course at Bossier Parish Technical School.

“This group is already committed to healthcare,” said Tanya Sims, the recruitment chair for the Division of Nursing. “Their instructor said they just wanted to expand their options.”

The students’ instructor, Valerie Liles, coordinated this tour and is a 1981 Tech nursing graduate. Her son, Drew Liles, is a senior in the nursing program. Drew Liles joined nursing student representative LaTosha Mollett and Student Nurses Association President Cynthia Davidson in answering questions regarding the nursing curriculum.

Sims, Beth Fife, an associate professor of nursing, and Lucy Douglas, an assistant professor of nursing, gave a presentation on the program of study, as well as an opportunity for questions.

Pam Todd, skills lab coordinator, led the students on a tour of the Nursing Skills Lab, giving them several “hands-on” opportunities in the lab and simulation areas.

“The students were very enthusiastic to participate in the skills lab,” Sims said. “Our nursing students were at each station and talked to them and helped them. The tour went well, and the instructor said her students said it was a very positive experience for them.”

Written by Judith Roberts