The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing welcomed middle school students from across Knox County Schools for its inaugural Vol Nurse Discovery Day, an immersive, hands-on experience designed to introduce young learners to careers in nursing and health care.
Held at the UT Medical Nursing Building, the event brought together students from Gresham Middle School, Whittle Springs Middle School, and Halls Middle School for a day of exploration, learning, and inspiration.
The program began with a welcome from Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college, who emphasized the vital role nurses play in improving health and transforming lives. Students then rotated through interactive sessions that highlighted the many pathways and possibilities within the nursing profession.
Throughout the morning, participants engaged in three core experiences:
- Simulation-based learning, where students explored real-world nursing scenarios and practiced basic clinical skills in a hands-on environment.
- Health care career exploration, featuring insights into specialties such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and surgical nursing.
- Admissions and academic pathways, offering step-by-step guidance on how to become a nurse, including education, certifications, and licensure.
A highlight of the day was the “Day in the Life with Ambassadors” session, where current nursing students shared personal experiences, offered advice, and answered questions about life in the program and the profession.
The event concluded with closing remarks and reflections on the impact nurses have in their communities and beyond.
Vol Nurse Discovery Day reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the future health care workforce by engaging students early and providing meaningful exposure to the nursing profession.
“By connecting middle school students with faculty, health care partners, and current nursing students, the college is helping to spark interest in health care careers and build a pipeline of future nurses prepared to meet the growing demands of the profession,” said Niederhauser.
The experience also reflects the goals of Knox County Schools’ 865 Academies, which connects students to real-world experiences and career pathways, helping them explore high-demand fields like nursing and health care at an early age.
Contacts:
Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)
Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-1271)