Students demonstrate nursing skills

Ozona—Ozona High School students enrolled in patient care technician and certified nursing assistant programs demonstrated their growing medical skills for family and friends during hands-on PCT and CNA nights held Oct. 1 and Oct. 3.

The events, hosted by OHS nursing instructor Vicki Childress, allowed students to practice clinical skills while giving parents and guests a firsthand look at the training students receive as part of the school’s health science pathway.

“PCT students are certified nurse aid students with their state certification,” Childress said. 

PCT students demonstrated advanced skills including venipunctures, electrocardiograms, blood glucose checks and vital signs, while CNA students focused on foundational patient care tasks such as feeding, blood sugar checks and vital signs.

For some parents, serving as practice patients came with a mix of nerves and pride.

“At first I was kind of leery, but then I believed in her,” Allsup said. “She did a good job.”

PCT student Jetsi Flores said performing procedures on her own mother was both challenging and emotional.

“It was pretty scary,” Flores said. “I mean it's your mom, so like you have to really be careful.”

Flores said venipunctures proved to be the most difficult skill for her.

“The hardest method is probably sticking because I shake a lot when I'm nervous,” she said. “But Miss Vicki really helps me. She tells me not to shake, so I just stop shaking.”

Parents said watching their children practice medical skills was a meaningful experience. Victor Renteria, whose daughter Aaliyah is a CNA student, said the night marked an important milestone.

“[It was her] first step into the medical field,” Renteria said. “She did an awesome job.”

Tristan Preston, a CNA student, said he practiced skills on classmates during the event, including assisting with an EKG.

“It's connecting a bunch of wires to some pinpoints,” Preston said. “It's supposed to be like your direct heartbeat.”

Childress said the events gave students confidence as they prepare for clinical training.

“I think they performed excellent,” she said. “They've been practicing for quite a while. They are starting their clinical setting in January. They are excited and ready to do hands-on patient care.”