ISU Nursing Students Make Community Impact with Volunteer Work
October 27, 2025
A powerful synergy between learning and community service is unfolding in Southeast Idaho, as students from Idaho State University’s College of Technology Practical Nursing (PN) program actively volunteer at local flu shot clinics. Through this initiative, practical nursing students are contributing their burgeoning skills at the Portneuf Medical Center and Power County Hospital, particularly focusing on vaccinating healthcare workers to reinforce health safety during the flu season.
Real-World Learning Beyond the Classroom
Immersive learning is the hallmark of ISU’s Practical Nursing program. Students, like Alexis Hale and Emma Grimmett, are experiencing firsthand the valuable connection between theoretical knowledge and its application in real-world settings. RayDel Gardner, risk director at PMC, praises this hands-on approach as it allows students to perform vaccinations prolifically and gain invaluable insights from immediate patient feedback. As stated in Idaho State University, these clinics are pivotal, enabling students to practice vital nursing skills under supervision.
Nurturing Future Healthcare Heroes
Hands-on experiences like these are more than educational; they are transformative. The PN program, with an emphasis on early clinical exposure and small class sizes, offers individualized mentorship and access to advanced facilities such as the Skills Learning Lab and Simulation Center. As Jennifer Briggs, the program’s coordinator, explains, this setup ensures students aren’t just prepared; they are primed to impact the healthcare environment positively.
A Progressive Educational Ladder
The PN program is structured as a career ladder, allowing students to progress from CNA to LPN, ADRN, and eventually BSN. This framework supports students like Grimmett who thrive on experiential learning, providing them with solid stepping stones into healthcare careers. The ability to directly engage in clinical practice is invaluable and sets ISU apart as a leader in nursing education.
Pathway to a Rewarding Nursing Career
With a curriculum combining stringent theory with practical, hands-on experiences, ISU’s PN program sets its students on a path to success. Whether working in hospitals or long-term care facilities, graduates emerge ready to meet the increasing demand for nursing professionals. As the need for skilled nurses grows across Idaho and nationwide, ISU’s students are not just prepared—they are ahead.
For those interested in forging a nursing career through the Practical Nursing program at ISU, further information is accessible here.
