A unique collaboration between CNA and pharmacy tech students gave more than 150 kindergartners a firsthand look at healthcare tools and practices in New Haven, Indiana. This clinic aims to ease children’s fears about doctor visits and introduce them to healthcare careers.

Hands-On Learning Experience for Young Kids

On Tuesday, over 150 kindergartners from New Haven Primary School participated in an engaging clinic led by students from the local CNA and pharmacy tech programs. The students were excited to showcase medical equipment and familiarize the young children with things like stethoscopes, ID badges, briefcases, and even teddy bears used for demonstration.

The goal? To make children more comfortable with healthcare settings and give them a taste of what it might be like when they need to visit the doctor. This hands-on experience is part of a growing effort to introduce kids to careers in healthcare early, while helping reduce any anxiety they might feel about future medical visits.

This clinic marked the third year that CNA and pharmacy tech students organized the event, a project that continues to grow in both size and impact. It’s a welcome event for the young children, many of whom are still learning how to navigate unfamiliar experiences like doctor’s appointments.

Helping Kids Feel Less Anxious About Doctors

For the students who led the clinic, it’s not just about showing kids medical tools. It’s also about creating positive associations with healthcare. “When kids see these things in a fun, friendly environment, it becomes less intimidating for them when they see them again later,” said one of the student organizers.

Many of the kindergartners expressed excitement as they tried on ID badges or listened to their own heartbeats through stethoscopes. The students’ enthusiasm for learning about healthcare careers was contagious, and the children, in turn, seemed to gain confidence from the experience. The teddy bears provided a comforting touch, showing the children that medical visits can be friendly and less scary.

The event also served to highlight the importance of early education in healthcare. Teaching children about doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals at a young age can help build trust and a sense of security that will last a lifetime.

A Community Effort: Education Meets Fun

This event is more than just a clinic; it’s an opportunity for the community to come together. Pharmacy tech and CNA students worked alongside faculty and staff to ensure the day ran smoothly, creating a memorable experience for the children. It’s also a chance for these students to gain practical, hands-on experience outside of the classroom, helping them hone the skills they’ll need in their future careers.

While the children were having fun, the event also provided important lessons for the adult students involved. They were able to see firsthand how they can impact the community and play a role in shaping the next generation’s view of healthcare.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the activities that took place during the clinic:

• Stethoscope Stations: Kids got to listen to their heartbeats and those of their classmates.

• Teddy Bear Checkups: Children brought their own stuffed animals for a “checkup,” learning about basic medical procedures.

• Hands-On with Medical Tools: From ID badges to briefcases, students got a close look at what it’s like to be part of the healthcare workforce.

The Third Year of This Special Event

This clinic, now in its third year, continues to build on the success of previous events. Students and faculty are excited to see it grow, with plans to expand the clinic and invite more children in the coming years.

While this event is unique to New Haven Primary School, it could inspire similar events across other schools. Bringing healthcare education into schools can be a great way to combat childhood anxiety about medical visits while also inspiring young minds to think about careers in healthcare.

By offering this hands-on experience, the clinic provides both education and reassurance to children, showing them that healthcare professionals are there to help them, not to cause fear.

The clinic was a resounding success and another testament to the growing efforts of local schools and healthcare students to support their community. The students involved, both in healthcare training and as part of the New Haven Primary School staff, have demonstrated how powerful an early introduction to healthcare can be.