Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast paid a visit to David A. Straz, Jr., Hall to get hands-on experience with the nursing profession alongside Marquette Nursing faculty members and students. The Girl Scouts were able to get experience in multiple styles of clinical simulation, including labor and delivery and CPR. They also attended a presentation on different pathways in the nursing profession, listened to a student panel discussion and took a tour of Marquette’s campus.
“One of the biggest things we can do to ensure a healthy nursing profession is to educate students about it early in their lives,” said Dr. Jill Guttormson, dean of the College of Nursing. “This partnership allows teenagers to get hands-on with their future career, which allows them to more easily discern whether nursing is right for them.”
Dr. Abiola Keller, associate professor in the College of Nursing, feels particularly strongly about the partnership as a former Girl Scout herself. She says that being a Girl Scout gave her confidence and essential leadership skills that she still relies on today.
“I hope each Girl Scout discovered something new on their visit—whether it’s about careers in health care, like nursing, or about the vibrant community at Marquette University,” Keller said. “Most of all, I hope they leave knowing that they’re always welcome to return and continue exploring.”
Sue Molina, director of Girl Scout leadership experience at Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, sees the visit to Marquette as supportive of the organization’s larger goals.
“This really aligns with our mission in Girl Scouting, which is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place,” Molina says.
