The Daring to Care Program at Mt. Ascutney Hospital provides training and supervision for students in grades 7-12 to be volunteers on the nursing unit of the hospital. The program, created by the hospital's nursing staff, gives students the opportunity to learn about the profession of nursing.

Program leader, Susan Januszewski, RN, Nurse Mentor, and other members of the hospital staff provide guidance and support to program participants. This experience and mentoring by a Registered Nurse (RN) allows the students to function as productive members of the medical team.

After an initial interview and 17-hour training program, students assist hospital nursing staff and see, first hand, the daily work-lives of nurses. Students will have an opportunity to experience the positive feedback and rewards inherent in a career in nursing. A formal "Steps to Success" process has been structured within the Daring to Care Program to nurture interest in the field of nursing and to help guide the student on a pathway toward becoming a Registered Nurse.

The Mt. Ascutney training program has been in effect for many years; many of the program's graduates have been accepted into college nursing programs.

Contact Jill Lord for more information.
Email: Jill.M.Lord@Hitchcock.org, or call (802) 674-6711