Given the growing demand for nursing expertise and services in the healthcare sector, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a shortage of 4.5 million nurses by 2030, thus creating strong job prospects for graduate nurses worldwide.

To help high schoolers better understand the profession and ultimately dispel any uncertainties about pursuing it as a career, the Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing (ARCSON) held the first edition of its summer camp at the LAU Byblos campus on June 28.

After a warm welcome from Dr. Costantine Daher, ARCSON’s dean, participants from high schools nationwide engaged with nursing students, graduates, faculty and alumni, where they learned about the discipline and its various career options and received training in basic clinical skills.

This was made possible through a series of interactive games and educational activities spearheaded by volunteers from the school and members from the LAU Nursing Club, in addition to a visit to the LAU Clinical Simulation Center, where participants learned how to measure vital signs, conduct Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) and carry out physical assessments in life-like scenarios.

“We wanted them to experience what it truly means to be a nurse,” said Dr. Bahia Abdallah, assistant professor and nursing program director at ARCSON. “That’s why we included hands-on learning activities in the camp’s program to reflect the essence of our CCNE-accredited curriculum.”

According to Dr. Abdallah, the students were surprised to learn about the crucial role nurses play in an emergency, particularly in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This realization became evident during their participation and a role play in a simulated ICU scenario that highlighted the critical responsibilities and quick decision-making required of nurses in high-stress situations. The simulation also underscored the importance of teamwork within a multidisciplinary healthcare setting.

The camp concluded with a rally paper competition, during which students were quizzed on topics they learned about during the day. Five winners were selected and granted partial tuition coverage: the first-place winner received 30 percent, the two second-place winners 20 percent each, and the two third-place winners 10 percent each. Certificates of completion were distributed to all participants.

Director of the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO) Ghada Abi Fares, who was also present at the camp, took the opportunity to inform the participants about the financial aid options specifically offered by ARCSON.

Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the event and a common suggestion to extend the camping experience, the school is considering expanding the camp to a week-long residency next summer. This extension would provide high-school students with more experiential nursing activities and a comprehensive experience of the LAU campus.