NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Students from Metro's Hillwood High school are getting prepared for a great medical career. It's all a part of the school's nursing program.
One young lady was even able to turn the internship into a career. Antonique Dotson believes she's found her calling.
"I love helping the residents and making sure that they're comfortable and they're ok," she said.
This summer , she started working at the Blakeford, a Green Hills assisted living community.
"I was prepared for everything basically," Antonique said.
Dotson got that preparation thanks to a nursing program at Hillwood High School. By the time she graduated this spring Dotson earned enough hours of training and class prep to meet requirements to sit for the certified nursing exam.
"It's an incredible opportunity for students to be able to come into a real life environment and see before they ever invest in more education, invest in more experience to see if this is the right plan for them," said Blakeford CEO Van Cluck.
Cluck says students like Dotson are learning needed skills that will be a valuable asset in whatever they choose to pursue.
"Even if they don't choose a career in health care they get a wonderful opportunity to be together, to learn from each other to share mutual experiences," Cluck continued.
Dotson was one of those who took full advantage. Her plans now are college and possibly a future career as an Ob-Gyn.
Nursing instructors at Hillwood High school said the process to get into nursing school is very competitive and schools can be selective.
Students must have a background check, urine and blood screens, a flu shot and a physical and have their own malpractice insurance.
