Every year during September and October, first grade students from the Atlantic, Griswold, and CAM school districts visit the hospital and clinics to learn more about healthcare careers, as well as what it’s like to be a patient. With the assistance of the Cass County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the first graders are taken on a tour that highlights areas such as the Atlantic Medical Center, Emergency Department, cafeteria, laboratory, and the nursery.

During the tour, the students also participate in a mock tonsillectomy. Jena Waters, R.N. and Quality Specialist, guides them through the steps of preparing for surgery and recovery. She shows the students x-rays, and explains what kinds of medical equipment they might see as a patient. During the mock tonsillectomy, the kids get involved by playing different roles including admissions clerk, doctor, nurse, patient, parents, or lab technician.

First-graders from CAM North participated in a play that walks the students through a mock tonsillectomy. (Photo courtesy CCMH)