Minden elementary school students get hands-on education at Barton 


"I hope one-day that I'll be able to use the da Vinci again," said one fourth-grader from Grace Christian Academy in Minden, Nev. One-day he just may. 

Parents and teachers of the 18 little visitors who drove from Minden on Thursday managed to keep third and fourth graders in-line during a two-hour tour at Barton Memorial Hospital. With wide open eyes, the questions soared and the excitement was building just before they made their first stop to the operating room.

Each students had a chance to sit behind the controls of the da Vinci Surgical System and learn from the surgical team: Shelly Stalter, R.N., Director of O.R.; Brian Bishop, O.R. Technician; Jessica Benson, O.R. Nurse; Chris Gonzales, Anesthesia Technician and many thanks to Steve Stetson, Surgery Buyer, for helping get the kiddos all dressed in their bunny suits! They learned all about the da Vinci’s uses and what a great impact it makes on patients. 



Then off to the newly remodeled emergency department where the kids received a few lessons from Tamara Burns, R.N. about how to stay out of the hospital – especially with cases of trauma, from riding bicycles without shoes and helmets to car seat safety and how they should expect to be treated if they ever are admitted. Tamara's advice: "Don't be scared, there may be lots of machines and stuff, but it’s all here to help you feel better." 



The kids made quick stop at the newly remodeled playroom, for a break, and walked in with amazement of all the colors, books, toys and each child took turns washing their hands. A quick jaunt up to the heli-pad, where Mark from engineering showed where the helicopters land to bring patients in and out of the hospital. He talked about safety and how the snow never accumulates on the pad, as there is an automatic defroster built in the pad to make it available 365 days a year for landing.

Lastly, Mike Cullen, Director of Medical Imaging, showed the students the power of magnetic energy with X-rays, MRI machines and the 64-slice CT scanner. The third and fourth-graders had studied magnets in school and were able to answer Mike's questions with a raised-proud-hand.

And, were they right? Yes they were. Thanks to all the staff and department directors for allowing this great tour to happen. We all know you're very busy, and whether these students decide to take a career path in medicine, business or environmental stewardship, the more time we take to teach, the more hope we have for the future. 
Thanks for letting us share our story, Rebecca Wass, Barton Communications Specialist and Leanne Wagoner, Barton Community Outreach Coordinator

In photo: Barton Memorial Hospital Emergency Department’s Charge Nurse, Tamara Burns, takes time to interact with the Minden students and keep their attention with animation through her voice influx, facial expressions and body language. This helps to get across the importance of safety and following rules when playing in areas of risk – but never forgets to remind the children to ALWAYS have fun!