West Nebraska Division highlights, Dec. 2022

Nursing student Jessica Ragonese watches as a HOSA student practice IV insertion.

Nursing student Jessica Ragonese watches as a HOSA student practice IV insertion.

Division’s HOSA event draws interested students

On Nov. 16, 60 students from Scottsbluff High School, HOSA, health profession club and others interested in health careers attended a hands-on event at the UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division.  

The activities were led by third semester students, some faculty and a GA. Participating high school teachers said their students enjoyed the day and the interaction with UNMC’s BSN students.  

Students were greeted by Maegen Graham, West Nebraska Division recruiter, who explained UNMC’s application process and how to prepare for a nursing/health career while in high school. Students were then divided into groups and rotated through:    

  •  The SIM-NE truck for a simulation exercise;
  • A nursing/health Kahoot! game played on the iWall along with z-space exploration;  
  • the SIM-NE truck for a birth and child simulation;
  •  A hands-on room with IV insertion demonstrations, use of OnPace (throat and nose swabs), tuning forks and reflex hammers; and  
  •  An infant simulation using one of the mannikins.  

Melissa Snyder recognized for humanitarian efforts with fellowship 

 West Nebraska Division nursing instructor Melissa Snyder recently was recognized for her dedicated humanitarian services to the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) by being named a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Melissa Snyder

The club recognized Snyder for her years assisting the club, as well as for giving back to the community. A registered nurse and West Nebraska Division nursing instructor, Snyder was recognized Nov. 29 during a ceremony at the Scottsbluff Country Club.  

 Over the past seven years, Snyder, along with West Division first-year students, has participated in the Lions Club local chapter’s many community events. This fall, she and her students assisted with hearing and vision screenings. Of the 1,352 students screened, 67 students were found to have hearing abnormalities and 213 students had visual impairments.     

The Melvin Jones Fellowship is named after the founder of Lions Clubs International, which meets humanitarian needs in communities around the world, due in large part to the growth of the fellowship program.