On Thursday, September 26, 2024, UPMC Shadyside nurse anesthetists Rachel Hicks, MSN, CRNA, and Jessica E. Kridler, MSN, CRNA, joined forces with M-PowerHouse once again to introduce high school students at the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy, also known as Pittsburgh SciTech, to careers in nurse anesthesia.
Rachel and Jessica visited the school’s 10th grade class, where each student received a stethoscope and participated in an interactive intubation training session. Pittsburgh SciTech students enjoyed pizza and beverages and, upon completing the training, were awarded a certificate of participation. The engaging presentation and hands-on activities were met with enthusiasm and interest from the students, who appreciated the opportunity to explore a potential career path of nurse anesthesia. The school plans to integrate the training experience into their ongoing curriculum.
This event marks the third collaboration between Rachel, Jessica, and M-PowerHouse, a Pittsburgh-based organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) professions. Similar educational events were held at Sto-Rox Junior-Senior High School and Pittsburgh Public Schools Milliones 6-12 University Preparatory School in March 2023 and at Pittsburgh SciTech in February 2024.