Penwasciz Health Careers Program

...experience and encouragement for the future

The Penwasciz program is sponsored by Advocate Condell Medical Center’s Clinical Education Department, and supported by the Auxiliary and Volunteers in Partnership of Condell Medical Center. This educational program is offered to young men and women in the junior and senior years of high school.

The name “Penwasciz” (Pen-wah-zee) originated by combining the names of the three items a nurse always carries: a pen, watch and scissors.

Varied Opportunities

The Penwasciz program began with the purpose of exposing outstanding high school students to the field of nursing. Since then, this educational program has flourished. High school students are oriented to observe/serve not only in nursing care areas, but also in obstetrics, the emergency department, radiology, respiratory care, pharmacy, and additional ancillary departments.

Trained healthcare professionals from these hospital departments supervise practical training as they mentor program participants. Hands-on participation allows Penwasciz students to experience healthcare professions first-hand, guiding them as they think about choosing a career.

Experience in an actual medical setting as a Penwasciz intern has inspired many graduates of the program to pursue careers as physicians, nurses, biomedical engineers and physical therapists.

Scholarships may be awarded to Senior students who exhibit outstanding behaviors and complete an essay and interview process.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements for the Penwasciz program:

• Exhibit a sincere interest in learning about health careers and a commitment to the program.
• Be a Junior or Senior high school student and maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout the year.
• Attend one 5 hour orientation session (held in October) and one 2-hour session per week during the academic year. All sessions are held after school hours.
• Assume responsibility for assignments and report promptly.
• Only 2 absences allowed during program.

Becoming a Penwasciz

Thank you for your interest in the 2012/2013 Penwasciz Program.  We have completed accepting applications for the 2012-2013 program at this time.  Please check back in August 2013 for future information regarding becoming a Penwasciz.

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