2.  On orientation week we took a tour of both
hospitals. (SJC & SFC) We had a lecture
from Ruth Hommertzheim about OR
procedures. Officer Greg Dick came to
discuss Security rules. Misty Marley came to
talk about volunteer opportunities. We had
to take TB shots before we could go on
rotation. On the last day of orientation
week Susan Orsbon introduced us to our
Medical Terminology course at NU.

3.  For each rotation the students write
either a professional thank you letter or
made a handmade thank you letter.
 Thank you letters showed our
appreciation for the units and our
mentors that help educate about that
rotation.

4. ATTN: 8SW
September 29, 2011
St. Francis Campus
929 N St. Francis
Wichita, KS 67214
Dear Ashley Wilsen,
My name is Kim and I‟m from the St. Gianna Health Academy, I shadowed you on
September 27! Thank you so much for showing me around 8SW unit, and learned a lot.
Thanks for taking time out of your day and teaching me some things about 8SW.
I thought it was a very clean unit, and it was extremely organized! I admire all you
do on this unit; you guys have to take care of so many patients. That would take a lot of
patience, thanks so much for that! Thanks once again, for welcoming me to this unit! I
learned a lot, and really would consider working in this unit. Have a great year!
Sincerely
Kim Pham „12

5. ATTN: NICU
November 7, 2011
3600 East Harry Street
Wichita, KS 67218-3713
Dear Carolyn Anderson,
My name is Kim and I‟m from the St. Gianna Health Academy, I shadowed you
on November 2! Thank you so much for allowing me to stop by, and to get a chance to
see what the NICU is all about! I really enjoyed this unit and hope to learn more about it!
I thought this unit was very clean and organized! I really do like this unit! It‟s a lot
calmer then most units I‟ve been too. I had a real fun time and you were so funny!
Thanks again for taking the time to show me what your job is at the NICU. Thank you for
welcoming me to this unit! I hope you have a bless year! Thanks again for your time!
Sincerely,
Kim Pham‟12

6. ATTN: NICU
November 7, 2011
3600 East Harry Street
Wichita, KS 67218-3713
Dear Danielle Martin,
My name is Kim and I‟m from the St. Gianna Health Academy, I shadowed you
on November 3! Thank you so much for allowing me to stop by, and to get a chance to
see what the NICU is all about! I really enjoyed this unit and hope to learn more about it!
I thought this unit was very clean and organized! I really do like this unit! It‟s
a lot calmer then most units I‟ve been too. I had a real fun time and thank you so much
for being so informative about this unit! That really helps me get a better understanding
of the unit! Thanks again for taking the time to show me what your job is at the NICU.
Sincerely,
Kim Pham ‟12

7. ATTN: Cardiac Unit
November 17, 2011
St. Francis Campus
929 N St. Francis
Wichita, KS 67214
Dear Erika Van Zye,
My name is Kim and I shadowed you on November 16, 2011, thank you so much for letting me
shadow you. This unit was a very calm unit. I learned a lot about how the Cardiac Unit works and I really
admire all your hard work. You are very efficient in your work!
I really admire how much patience you had with so many patients. The nurses down at the
Cardiac unit have so much to handle especially when patients can be very demanding. This unit was
very busy so I can understand how stressful days can be.
Thanks so much again for letting me shadow you on my twelfth rotation at the Cardiac unit. I really
appreciate how St. Francis allows students to come learn more about health profession. Health academy
has given me a great opportunity to learn so much about nursing! God Bless You!
Sincerely,
Kim Pham „12

8. ATTN: Radiology
Date: September 8, 2011
St. Francis Campus
929 N St. Francis
Wichita KS, 67214
Dear Cristi Edain and Sonia Vaughn,
My name is Kim Pham and I‟m a student from the St. Gianna Health Academy. I was here on my
second week rotation at Diagnostics Radiology. Thank you so much for letting me drop by this week
and getting to learn so much about your unit.
I found Radiology very interesting, and definitely an area I will look into. Hopefully I can visit the
unit sometime soon. I really enjoyed getting to move around freely and observing all the different
procedures perform this week. Thank you also for making sure I had more to learn each day of
rotation.
I really admire the patience your staff has in every situation; they took it calmly and very nicely.
My rotation went really comfortable just because of that! Thank you!
Sincerely,
› Kim Pham ‟12

14.  My first rotation was at the Cath Lab. At St. Joseph
Hospital. It was a very interesting unit, I got to see more
than I expected. I was really nervous at first to start
rotation, but after a while I got a hang of it. A regular
procedure would take about hour or more, but surprisingly
the doctors went through each patient quickly. The types
of procedures I saw were, heart cath, pacemaker, TEE, or
a "fix". The nurse would set up the room, with the proper
equipment required for each procedure. The tool I found
most interesting was the "balloon", which is exactly what it
is. The balloon is placed in an artery and then air is placed
in to expand the artery to stop blood clots. Unlike other
procedures, the pacemaker was placed through a vein. I
found the TEE, was the most interesting procedure. Instead
of using the cat scan, they used a ultra sound to see the
patients arteries. This rotation was a lot of fun and
educational, the Cath lab. is definitly worth a rotation!

15.  My second week rotation was at Radiology. "A radiologist is a
physician who has specialized training in obtaining and
interpreting medical images, which makes him or her an imaging
expert. These images are obtained by using x-rays (radiographs,
CT, fluoroscopy), or radioactive substances (nuclear medicine),
others by means of sound waves (ultrasound) or the body's
natural magnetism (MRI)." This unit felt slow at first, but they
usually can have 100 patients each day. I thought radiology was
a very interesting unit, with lots of areas to get into. For instance
you could work as a radiology technician or in CT labs, working
for nuclear medicine. I really didn't get a chance to ask so many
questions, since everyone was very busy when a procedure was
being done. I did learn a lot, of what the diagnostics team does
for radiology, you could see older patients to younger patients. I
really respected how the technicians, where very patient with
every situation.

16.  This week rotation was at MICU/CICU, this unit focus on
patients in intensive care unit. I got to follow around two
nurse, as they took care about two patients each.
Depending on the day, there could be about 15 patients
or just even six patients. The nurses in this unit were mostly
RNs, who monitor patients heart rates and kept track off
insulin. I notice it would take a lot of patience to work with
such high maintenance patients here in this unit. I learned
a lot, of routines and codes needed for this unit. Medicine
distribution is important to keep track off, just incase
something happens such as someone pocketing
medicine. Its important to keep certain medicine
refrigerated, or to makes sure patients are on the correct
diet. I found this unit very interesting, and makes me want
to look more into being and RN.

17.  I really enjoyed this unit I thought it was definitely
more hands on then the other rotations I've been on.
I thought it was really exciting to see the procedures I
got to see, which where removing the colon for
colon cancer. Unfortunately on both days I got to see
the same procedure, but I also got to see a second
procedure involving a Cather and balloon. I thought
the first day was very interesting because of all the
tools used in a procedure, the doctors are very
skilled. The technology used for procedures are
extremely advance and very impressive! I was
surprise how each tool worked, it was simply but very
effective.

18.  My 14th rotation at NCCU was a very awesome
unit. This unit was tidy and organized. I had a
wonderful nurse, who was very informative. She
explain all the nursing benefits that came with
her job. The NCCU takes care of patients with
strokes, Brain Hemorrhage, etc. The nurses take
care of two patients or more. The patient that I
saw on my first rotation was a very sad case,
since he was only 54. Even though he was 54,
its still a young age. It just shows you how
important it is, for people to take care of their
physical health. Because something like this will
catch up with you.

19.  Mentor forms where a way for the
mentor to evaluate how the student
perform on their rotations.

25. Shelly Steadman is a forensic biologist and DNA analyst. Shelly
Steadman has worked in much high profile casework such as the BTK
case here in Wichita. She works in an area called a crime lab. A
forensic DNA analysis works separate from law enforcement. Analyst
prefer to work separated from law enforcement because their results
won‟t be tamper with. The results will not be effected by if the officer
believes the suspect is guilty or if the case will allow the officer a
promotion. A forensic biologist and DNA analyst searches for the
unknown. They search for DNA that may be found in the most discrete
areas. The summary of a forensic biology analysis is the career is based
on screening evidence to solve the case. A student must have a
bachelor in biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry to apply
themselves to become a forensic biologist.

26.  Registered nurse Jeanne Clearly, describe
working in the ER as “solving a puzzle really
quick.” Jeanne Clearly worked in the ER for
several years and has witness many
surprising cases. Her patients can range
from gunshot victim to dental pain. It‟s
important to form a relationship with her
patients really quickly. So she can move
forward with education that will help the
patient. Forming a trusting relationship is
difficult, because anything could offend
the patient. She says it‟s important not to be
judgmental.

27.  Dr. Greg Reicheniberger, a veterinarian, came to speak of
his occupation as a vet. His profession is at the West
Wichita Pet Clinic. He graduated from Newman University
in 1987 with a B.S. in chemistry and a B.A. in Biology. He
also graduated from KSTATE, College of Veterinary
Medicine. Students are also required to take a VCAT or
MCAT for admissions. Veterinary school is a 4 year program
but it may also take up to 3 – 4 years of residency.
 Dr. Reicheniberger has worked with small and large
animals. His job consists of physical examinations, surgery,
and advisory in pet‟s diet. Dr. Reicheniberger explains how
during this time there are too many graduating vets. He
advises us, if we are truly dedicated and passionate about
this occupation, we should strive and go into this field. His
clinic for pets consists of an examination room, grooming
room, boarding area, and dental.

28.  Our next speaker Dr. Summerhouse is a retired D.O. He practices
in family medicine, but work in the hospital assisting surgery. He
also delivered a several babies a year, during his practice. Dr.
Summerhouse gave us a great grasp on what getting into the
medical field could offer. What also the medical field could
offer. I really appreciated that. He also discussed what is needed
to keep your license after your schooling and how a retired
doctor could get back into the game. Dr. Summerhouse also
explained how when you‟re retired you can aid family and
friends. With a career in family medicine you could work with
patients of all ages. Family doctors are needed in every growing
community. Where family members may need check up to help
prevent sickness or diseases. With this career you‟ll really get to
know your patients, but it becomes a long term relationship. A
family doctor becomes an extension of the family. You are the
family‟s primary provider.

29.  Our speaker, Beth, came to talk to us about a career as a dental
hygienist, “Dental hygienists remove soft and hard deposits from teeth,
teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene, and provide other
preventive dental care. They examine patients' teeth and gums,
recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities.” She was a really
good speaker, and I never thought about a career in dental. Beth
made it sound very interesting. A career as dental hygienist is a high
ranking growing occupation. You can work in private offices with flexible
hours. This occupation is actually competitive in some areas. Dental
hygienist can use varied of tools to complete task, such as polishing
teeth. They use x-ray machines to take dental pictures. Dental hygienist
really take on a lot of rolls, they also help patients maintain good oral
health. They can diagnosis laboratory diagnostic test for the dentist to
interpret. The education that it takes to become a dental hygienist is
high school diploma, four years of college, and an entrance test scores.
There are plenty of programs that would prepare you to become a
dental hygienist. Dental hygienists must be licensed by the State in
which they practice.

30. Kim Pham
948 White Tail Cir
Wichita, KS, 67206
316-299-8558
kpham1408@gmail.com
October 3, 2011
Christa Thacker
Human Resources
Via Christi Hospital: St. Francis
St. Francis Campus
929 N St. Francis
Wichita, KS 67206

31. Dear Christa Thacker:
After experiencing the program St. Gianna Health Academy has offer, I learned so much! This
program has given me a better understanding of all the possibilities I could have working at hospital. I
hope to work alongside pharmacist.
I‟ve walked into this program considering many careers in the medical field. I hope after Health
Academy as well, working at the hospital will give me more guidance in narrowing down a career
choice. This senior year has been a struggling year; where I can proudly say it help mold my character.
Volunteering at the hospital has given me more patients and it has really been a joy getting to help
around with patients!
I hope to get a chance to work at the hospital to expand my work experience, which is very
limited of right now. I spent most of my time on school work, but hope to work part time gaining more
experience. I love working and helping others. Using my creative side to finish the task!
I‟m open to all the wonderful possibilities Via Christi could offer, and I hope to be given the
chance to work here at St. Francis.
Sincerely,
Kim Pham

34.  Distribute prescription drugs to individuals, advise their
patients, physicians, and other health practitioners on
dosages, interactions, and side effects of
medication.
 Something a pharmacist does very little of the actual
mixing of ingredients to form medications.
 The qualification and education required to become
a pharmacist varies as well. In the United States,
future pharmacist must earn a Pharm.D. degree from
an accredited college or a school of pharmacy.
Program for Pharm. D. requires an applicant must
have completed 2 years of specific professional
study.

35.  Pharmacy techs also work in clean, organized, well-lighted, and
well-ventilated areas. It is likely for technicians to lift heavy boxes
or use stepladders. To work as a pharmacy technician,
applicants should have some kind of formal training, even if
there is no standard training. A high school diploma may
increase an applicant‟s chances of employment. Programs for a
pharmacy technician are offer in various places such as,
community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, and the
military. Not only do these programs last up to 6 months to 2
years, it covers a variety of subjects such as medical and
pharmaceutical terminology. During these programs you could
be train as interns, with hands on experience. “Advancement
opportunities generally are limited, but in large pharmacies and
health systems pharmacy technicians and aides with significant
training or experience can be promoted to supervisory
positions.” Another advancement opportunity is becoming a
pharmacist with formal training.

36.  a Forensic Nurse who‟s job combines nursing with the
law enforcement arena.
 “It involves the investigation and treatment of victims
of sexual assault, elder, child and spousal abuse,
unexplained or accidental death, trauma and
assault as well as perpetrators of these and any
criminal activity.”
 A good characteristic needed to be a good forensic
nurse is to combine their nursing knowledge with the
investigative and counseling skills.
 Certification courses generally required for SANE,
forensic pediatric/geriatric nurse. Forensic psychiatric
nurse requires MS with counseling certification.” I think
forensic nurses have an important job in helping
others.

37.  A nurse administrator is an executive position
establishes department directions and
strategies. Administrators set and interpret
policy and develop structures for operating
units and assume a broad organizational
perspective and represent their organization to
their constituents. It‟s important for the
administrator to be strong in nursing
management, financing, accounting, and
computers. Educations can vary from RN with
BSN, or MSN (preferred), and or a doctorate.
Nurse administrators can be employed in
individual institutions or multi institution.

38.  Involves providing care to patients before, during,
and after surgery or delivery. An important
responsibility is constantly monitoring every function
of the patient‟s body while the patient is
anesthetized. These nurses can be found in private
and public facilities, such as ORs, labor and delivery,
and pain clinics. Some skills needed to be a nurse
anesthetist, are psychomotor skill, interviewing and
teaching, stress management, and flexibility and
commitment. The education required to be a nurse
anesthetist is to be an RN with MSN. There are also
varies areas where you can be employed: university
medical centers, military, private practices and
hospitals.

39.  I really am appreciative of the St. Gianna Health
Academy program. This program has honestly given
me a better idea of careers in health and science. I
definitely have a better understanding of my career
choices. I really enjoyed going on rotations and
getting a hands on experience of the different units.
The experience was not always the best, but it did
make it a better learning experience. I also thought
our lectures in Dr. Singh‟s class was very informative. It
was really helpful to have professionals come and
educate on their careers. St. Gianna Health
Academy has been a challenging course, but over
all it has been worth it.