By Denis Brosnan
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 7/3/03)

"How much education does someone need to become a nurse?" "What kind of operations are most common at a hospital?" How do I know if my leg is broken?"

These were just some of the questions posed to nurses at Virginia Hospital Center by local middle school students.

The students, part of "GEAR UP" (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), were exposed to medical equipment, operational procedures and received a tour of the facility.

Through an Arlington County Public Schools’ grant from the Department of Education, Marymount University is participating in the weeklong program for the fourth consecutive year.

According to Dr. Tammy Davis, assistant professor of psychology at Marymount, the program is meant to expose children to the idea of a college education.

"Hopefully college will become more meaningful when these kids see all of the possibilities that are out there," said Davis.

Throughout the week, students visited the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, Marymount’s School of Business and the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington.

At the hospital, Mary Ellen Hutchins, R.N., gave the children a presentation on the procedure of admitting patients into surgery, which elicited a multitude of questions from the eager audience.

"If we can get a nurse out of the group, or at least get them thinking about it, then we have been successful," said Rosanna Gritte, R.N.

Speaking to the children, Gritte encouraged them to be open to the idea of a nursing profession. "If you like taking care of people, if you enjoy science and studying how the body works, nursing is the profession for you," said Gritte.

After the presentation, the children were split in two groups: one group performed a mock surgery, while the other group worked with various medical equipment.

"I think one day I might want to be a pediatrician," said 13-year-old Charles Copening, of Arlington. "This has shown me what it takes to work in medicine," he added.

For one child, the experience at the hospital sparked a previously unknown interest. "Before, I wanted to be in the military. But now I am thinking about being a military doctor or nurse," said 12-year-old Rico Duran, of Falls Church.

This year marks Davis’ fourth year with the "GEAR UP" program. "It’s great to work with young children and help plant the seed for the future" she said. "It’s a very satisfying experience."

In addition to Davis, graduate students of Marymount’s School of Education serve as counselors to the children.

At the start of each day the children write about the previous day’s experience in their personal journal. "This allows the kids to think about and analyze exactly what they saw and learned at the various sites," said Davis.

On the last day of the program, the children and their families are treated to a dinner.

For Davis, the chance to help counsel children is a welcome opportunity. "I like to think of this as my way of giving back to the community. I love helping our young people."