Kara Kaster

• Senior at Kapaun Mount Carmel

• Enjoy traveling and hanging out with friends

• My mother is a nurse practitioner and currently works at St. Joseph and St. Francis Emergency Room

• My father is a Wichita Police Officer

• Two sisters, Mandy 22, Allison 20

• Kapaun Mount Carmel and Bishop Carroll – Juniors and seniors are able

to participate– Interviewing process– 1st or 2nd semester

• Obtain high school and college credit– Newman University and Via

Christi Hospital

• Project director– Denise Clarke-Hang

• Toured St. Francis and St. Joseph campus– Potential areas to work– Variety of job opportunities

• Guest speakers– Informed us on professional standards– Instructed where to park– Process on how to handle danger– “Scrub in” for O.R units

• Taught the importance of hygiene

• Performed to K-4th graders– Created a skit to show how to

wash your hands – Sang a song about hand

washing– Demonstrated how to brush

teeth

Wash Wash, Wash your hands

Wash them nice and clean,

Wash them on top, wash them on bottom

and wash them in between

Optometrist

Job description:

– Diagnose and treat diseases of the eye and visual system

– Diagnose problems, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment

– Test for any type of eye disease, vision problems, and determine the steps that are needed to fix the problems

Annual Earnings: $118,370

Dental hygienist Job Description:

– Examine, clean, and polish the patient’s teeth

– Explain procedures in treating issues and preventing future problems

– Flexible schedule; Work part time and are able to set their only schedule

– Dentists are looking to hire more dental hygienists because of their age and are looking to retire

Annual Earnings: $64,910

Pharmacy Technician Job Description: - They fill prescriptions, which includes counting, weighing, mixing, and measuring medication- Most technicians work in

grocery stores, department stores, or drug stores- Pharmacy technicians must be registered with the State

Board of PharmacyAnnual Earnings: $36,743

Orthodontist Job Description: - An orthodontist uses braces, retainers, and other devices, to help straighten a person's teeth and correct the way the jaws line up. - Examine, diagnose, and treat oral cavity anomalies.- Design appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.Annual Earnings: $193,870

Dermatologist Job Description: - Specializes in treating conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails- Have general practices and see patients with all types of skin concerns- Additional training and expertise in a specific area of dermatology- pediatrics, surgery, or cosmetics. Annual Earnings: $193,870

Denise Clarke-Hang Instructor of Saint Gianna Catholic Health Academy

218 North Bleckley Wichita, KS 67208(316) 612-4812

John ArnoldProprietor of Redrock Canyon Grill

1844 N. Rock Road Wichita, KS 67236(316) 636-1844

Dr. Brian and Serle McNeilEmergency Room Doctor

2508 N. Rosemont St. Wichita, KS 67228

Lisa and Anthony LongChemical and Mechanical Engineer

2509 N. Rosemont St. Wichita, KS 67228

The Laboratory

My first rotation took place in the Laboratory, I was hesitant at first not knowing what to expect. Once I arrived I followed around a nurse who went around throughout the hospital taking blood work from patients. After taking the

blood she would scan it into the computer and send it down to the lab to be tested for anything that could be wrong. The

patients and nurse were very friendly and made the process quick and simple.

On the second day of my rotation I shadowed the different areas in the lab. First, I was shown around the

blood bank and explained how the blood is tested. Then a nurse showed me around the Chemistry area of the lab

where I looked at urine and blood samples. Overall, the two days were very interesting; being able to look at different

types of samples and see how everyone worked together in their area was great.

The Cardiac Unit

After shadowing in the Cardiac Unit at St. Francis, I have gained a great respect for nurses because of the situations the deal with. Many patients are very anxious to leave the hospital and become very frustrated when they are told they will have to stay for another day. The nurse I followed was very friendly and interacted with her patients, which helped form a bond between the patient and the nurse. Everyone throughout the unit was very nice and helped answer my questions.

On my second day, I followed the same nurse, Lisa, who had just been questioned by JACHO (Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization) which evaluates the health care organizations and inspires them to excel in providing safe and effective care of quality and value. I think it is great that there is an organization that makes sure hospitals are meeting their expectations and excelling to improve.

The Burn Unit

During my 4th week of rotations, I was kind of nervous to go to the burn unit. Once I arrived, they had me sit and review the burn book which I found very interesting. They informed me a patient from St. Joe would be arriving and than taken back to the burn room where they would clean the dead skin off the arm and face. The room was about 101 degrees and was not very pleasant. The man had burned about 7.5% of his skin off his face, arms, and hands. It ranged from 2nd- 3rd degree burns. I found it interesting that 3rd degree burns do not hurt because the nerves are burned off. They insisted for me to stand and watch right next to the bed but I thought I would pass out because:1.Way to hot (considering I am wearing a long sleeve sweater,lab coat, and tights)2. The smell and the sounds of them scrubbing3. I saw the man, who was in a lot of pain, and was moaning because of it4. Seeing the dead skin being scrubbed off and viewing the under layers of skinSo my first day was pretty intense but I came prepared for the 2nd day.. not wearing tights or sweater... but I just sat in a chair and read the burn book for 2 hours. But the 1st day was enough for me =)

Operating Room

Intense. One simple word which explains my experiences in the OR. Throughout my two days of shadowing, I witnessed three different surgeries. My favorite part was being able to change into scrubs, but I was not a fan of the cap.

• 1st surgery- A little boy had to have a needle removed from his leg because his brother had accidentally stabbed him with the needle and it broke off in his leg. • 2nd surgery- A lady had to have a screw removed from her arm and her knee cap. She had been in a car accident a few years ago and had metal plates put in and the screws had just started to rub. The anesthesiologist let me place the mask on the patient and bag her. (Sounds confusing the way I worded it, but easier explained in person)• 3rd surgery- A lady had been injecting drugs into her hip and her hip had deteriorated and needed to be replaced. This was probably my favorite because when he began he had to cut a vein out of her hip.. it was black because of all the drugs she had been using.

Overall, intense.

The Emergency Room

My 8th rotation I spent in the ER at St. Joe. The first day I shadowed my mom, which was a lot of fun.

First--She showed me the Sexual Assault room, which was very interesting. The first room you walk into has a TV, couch,  and was designed by the nurses. The next room is the actually examination room, and a shower for the patient to use after the exam. Also, there is another room in which the police use to interview the patient, family, or doctors about the assault.

Second--She showed me the area the nurses use from psych. evaluations. When you first walk in their is an area for the patients to check in and just sit and wait. Then they must go into another room and place there clothes and belongings in a locker. I noticed on the trash can, there is a paper bag because in the past patients have tried to kill themselves with plastic bag. Down the hall their are about 8 rooms, in which, the patient goes in, sits on a couch and talks to the psychiatrist through a television. She informed me the TV is now enclosed in a sealed cabinet because the patients tend to get very upset and have taken the TV and smashed it.

Dr. Bernadette- Newman Nursing

“Nursing can take you anywhere your imagination allows” emphasized Dr. Bernadette as she introduced our class to the meaning of nursing. There is a range of opportunities available to nursing students. The United States is currently looking for nurses to work throughout hospitals, clinics, schools, and to teach. Nurses learn something new everyday which allows them grow as a person.The curriculum for the baccalaureate of science in nursing (BSN) degree requires a minimum of 60 specified hours of liberal arts and sciences prior to enrolling in nursing courses. Newman University, currently accepts thirty-two students into their program each semester. Newman students receive the benefit of attending a private and Catholic university which has a close connection between students and teachers

Dr. Crook- Family Practitioner

“Be strong about your morals and ethics, do not be afraid of humans, and trust in the Lord” emphasized Dr. Crook as she explained how to manage your career and vocation. After graduating from Newman, she applied for medical school and was not accepted at first but she continued to try and achieve her goal of becoming a family doctor. Over time she was able to improve her MCAT scores and was accepted into Kansas University Medical School. Overall, Dr. Crook has had many experiences in family medicine but has been able manage a strong faith and family life. She currently works at the Lakeview Clinic and is the mother of five children. She stated, “It all comes down to ‘balancing of loving what your doing and raising a family”.

Dr. McCarthy- Optometrist

A highly respected optometrist, Dr. McCarthy, emphasized he is a “family doctor of the eyes”. Optometry is a health care profession concerned with eyes, as well as vision, visual systems, and vision information. He deals with a variety of patients throughout his daily work. He can specialize with any age group but typically deals with the elderly. As he continued, he addressed the different areas an optometrist can practice his or her skills. For example, in a hospital based area, cooperative setting, or private practice. Another area he or she might work in is the military. There are a vast amount of benefits and they may receive a higher salary than most optometrists.

Dr. Leyba- Science Instructor at Newman

“Don’t let your career define you, you define your career”. Dr. Leyba emphasized as he explained the path in which you should follow when choosing your career. He attended Truman State in Missouri and earned a Bachelors and Science degree in Chemistry. There are many types of jobs available for someone who has earned this type of degree such as, work at a pharmaceutical industry, work in industry, or a manager. There are many benefits to being a manager of a company such as, job security, authority, are better salary. On the other hand, the manager is in complete control which causes people to act differently around them. The average pay of a chemist is about $45,000.Also he explained the benefits and perks of earning a PHD instead of just settling with a Bachelor’s degree. There is about a $15,000 increase in pay for each degree. There are more jobs available to those individuals who have earned a PHD. The average pay of a chemist with a PHD averages about $75,000 starting out.

Greg Reichenberger- Veterinarian

“In order to be successful you have to be able to communicate and talk with people” Greg Reichenberger stated when he explained the importance of having a personality. Dr. Greg Reichenberger is a former graduate of Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Newman University, and Kansas State University. He currently works at his personally owned business, West Wichita Pet Clinic. He states “vets are a little bit of everything” which means they are responsible for many different operations which within the exam room. They currently start off making about $65,000-$75,000 a year and can make up too $150,000 their second year. There is a world of opportunity available for veterinarians throughout the United Sates. They are able to work in the armed forces, own a private practice, teach or work for the government.

According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the average full-time income is $92,100. This statistic varies from state to state and can differ depending on what the individual specialized in. For example, the average of a Family Nurse Practitioner is $81,000 annually. Yet, the yearly average of a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner is $114,000. The demand for nurse practitioners is not as high as the demand for nurses in other specialties. There are twice as many practicing NPs today than there were ten years ago.

According to CNN, Nurse Practitioners were ranked number four on the list of the best jobs to have in America in 2009. CNN emphasizes why this field is beneficial by stating, “Thanks to the growth of retail health clinics and the shortage of primary-care doctors, opportunities abound for nurse practitioners in settings from hospitals and urgent-care centers to private practice. Experienced nurse practitioners looking for a change of pace can shift to teaching or medical research.” The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reported that overall job opportunities for nurse practitioner were expected to be 'excellent' in the ten-year period from 2006 to 2016, with an anticipated employment increase of 23%.

Following my graduation from Kapaun Mount Carmel, I plan to attend Kansas State University and then receive a degree in

Speech Pathology.