Pre-Nursing Students Thrive as PCTs at IU West Hospital

We are incredibly proud to highlight three exceptional Area 31 students who have made a significant impact in the healthcare field during their time as Patient Care Technicians (PCT) at IU West Hospital. These students, who began working in the Surgical Services Unit as juniors in our Pre-Nursing program, are trailblazers as the first students to work in this unit through our partnership with the hospital. Their hard work, dedication, and growth in the role have been truly  inspiring, and they have continued their employment, further developing their skills as they advance in our Healthcare Specialist Capstone work-based learning program as seniors.

Meet the Students:

• Caitlin Burton, Senior at Cascade High School, has flourished in her role since starting as a junior. She reflects, "Since starting as a junior in 2023, I’ve grown significantly in confidence, clinical skills, and patient communication. I’ve moved from relying on protocols to making independent, critical decisions. My understanding of diverse conditions has deepened, and I’m better at explaining complex information empathetically to patients. Improved time management helps me handle workloads effectively, ensuring quality care. This journey has made me a more resilient and skilled healthcare provider.”
• Adediwura (Goldie) Adedokun, Senior at Ben Davis High School, appreciates the supportive work environment at IU Health West, saying, "I love working at IU Health West Hospital because it's a supportive and great place to work with great people who are passionate about their work. Michelle Strahl is an amazing leader who helps us grow and communicate openly.”
• Jasmin Vences, Senior at Ben Davis High School, shares her most rewarding experience as a PCT ,stating, "The most satisfying experience I had while working as a PCT on the Surgical Services Unit was getting thanked by a patient for giving them a bed bath, making their bed, and getting them ready  for the day. I appreciate that positive feedback from patients because it lets me know I am doing a good job and the patients feel well taken care of.”

These students are gaining hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare setting and contributing to the well-being of patients and supporting the healthcare team at IU West Hospital. Their work is a testament to the strength of our partnership with IU Health and the quality of training provided by Area 31's Pre-Nursing program.

Kapri Ames, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for IU Health Indianapolis Suburban Region, praises the program’s success: “During the post-COVID challenge for caregivers in hospital settings, I explored new ways to bring in excellent talent that could care for patients now, support direct care RNs, and grow a pipeline for future healthcare professionals. Being a graduate of BDHS, I was aware of the Area 31 health science track. The Area 31 leaders have been great partners and clearly are preparing their students effectively. This has been a win for all involved.”

Michelle Strahl, Clinical Operations Manager for IU Health West Surgical Services, also recognizes the value of this partnership, adding, "It has been a great experience working with the Area 31 Career Center Pre-Nursing students! The team was nervous about having high school students on the unit when the program first started, but now they love having the students around along with the opportunity to mentor them and really grow the student's passion for healthcare.”

Looking ahead, all three students plan to continue their education and pursue careers as Registered Nurses (RNs), building on the foundation they’ve established at IU West Hospital. Their growth as healthcare professionals during their time as PCTs is a remarkable achievement, and we look forward to seeing their continued success as they advance in the field of nursing.