Learning at Regions Hospital Simulation Lab

Robert Wasiluk

Thirty Como Park students who are interested in health care careers spent a December school day at the Regions Hospital Simulation Center to learn about where doctors, nurses and medical staff work in emergency situations.
The field trip was led by Como science teacher Dr. Heather Norton-Bower and coordinated through St. Paul Public Schools Career Pathways. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are critical in connecting students with real-world training experiences and exposure to industry equipment.
In the simulation lab, students were guided in the process of trying to save a patient who arrived with chest pain (subsequently developing a heart attack.) Students volunteered to play out roles in assessing the mannequin, who talked and displayed evolving symptoms.
“We get to try and save our patient two times,” Norton-Bower explained. “In between, we learn about the teamwork that is needed to be successful in trying to improve patient outcomes.”
Norton-Bower appreciates this field trip because it helps students develop a growth mindset. “We tell students that mistakes are normal, that we are human, and here (the lab) is where we all learn together. And the future healthcare provider grows in confidence and self-esteem.”

Busy cadets
To say Como’s cadets were busy during the holiday season would be an understatement. Their December calendar was dizzying.
They worked for weeks to host eight schools in their annual Devil Dog Drill Competition, went skiing at Hyland Hills for winter skills training, and dispatched volunteers to provide community service at both the North Dale and Dayton’s Bluff Rec Center’s holiday events for neighborhood families.
Amongst those activities and other unseen responsibilities, the corps made time to celebrate another outstanding year of camaraderie by sharing a potluck of homemade international foods for their Winter Fest.

CIS Government class to U of M
Fifty-five seniors who are taking the University of Minnesota political science 1001 course at Como, American Democracy in a Changing World, participated in the university’s field day on Jan. 6. The day on campus is part of the College in the Schools (CIS) programming.
Students discussed the positions they developed for their research paper on the Unitary Executive Theory: Blessing or Curse for American Democracy? After deliberation in jury panels composed of students from multiple other high schools, representatives reported back to the large group assembled in Willey Hall on the West Bank.
The CIS Government course at Como is new this academic year, replacing the traditional AP Government class. In CIS, students are dually enrolled at the U of M and Como with the grade earned appearing on both their college and high school transcript.

Showcase Night
Como will be hosting prospective students and families on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 5-7 p.m. The showcase is an opportunity for students and families to visit school, meet staff members, see the building, learn about academic programs, activities and clubs, and envision a future as part of Como Park High School.