The Plumas Healthcare Careers Exploration Spring Institute (PHESI) reached its conclusion on May 17, marking the culmination of an enriching journey for nine ambitious high school students. Hosted by Plumas Charter School and in partnership with Quincy High School and Plumas District Hospital, PHESI provided invaluable insights into various healthcare professions through job-shadow rotations and classroom lectures. 

Throughout the program, students delved into a diverse array of professional fields, including Laboratory Sciences, Respiratory Therapy, Imaging, Emergency Department Services, CareFlight Operations, Physical Therapy, Acute Care Nursing, Primary Care Nursing, Dental Services, Infection Control, Dietetics, and Clinical Education. These hands-on experiences not only broadened their understanding but also ignited their passion for healthcare careers.

During the final presentations and reception, instructors, industry partners and families celebrated the accomplishments of the participating students. Three students from PCS and six from QHS showcased their newfound knowledge and skills, reflecting on their transformative journey during the PHESI program.

PCS program coordinator and CTE teacher Danielle Wagner Plocki summarized that this year’s cohort has aspirations to further their education in emergency medicine, surgery, nursing and more. Some PHESI students plan to attend four-year universities in the fall and some will be attending Feather River College and furthering their education by enrolling in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program or the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program. “We are so grateful for the knowledge and skills learned from the PDH preceptors to help students understand what opportunities are available to them and help them navigate their career paths,” said Plocki. 

PHESI's success was made possible through the generous support of the Health Workforce Initiative Program, the K-12 Strong Workforce Program, and Plumas Charter School. Lisa Kelly, a K12 pathway coordinator for the Feather River College district, emphasized the critical role of exposing students to opportunities in regional priority sectors like healthcare; these initiatives pave the way for a future-ready workforce. She reflected that the program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and mentorship in shaping the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.

“We are delighted to have served students from PCS and QHS this semester in the PHESI program. Students learned about the roles and responsibilities of healthcare careers they are interested in, and had the opportunity to be exposed to healthcare careers they didn’t know much about,” said Plocki. Overall, students were exposed to the diversity of healthcare professions and learned about the wide range of prospects in the medical field. 

Congratulations to Emily Choate, Tatum Hughes, Julianna McMorrow, Stella White, Macy Peay, Adeline Taylor, Bailey Williams, Aurora Zittrer and Daisy Neer.

By Rachel Goings, Public Relations Specialist  [email protected]
_______________________________________ Photo Above: Proud achievers: Students holding their certificates of completion during the PHESI reception. From left; PDH CEO JoDee Read, PCS patient care pathway coordinator Danielle Wagner Plocki, Bailey Williams, Adeline Taylor, Macy Peay, Julianna McMorrow, Emily Choate, Aurora Zittrer, Stella White, Tatum Hughes and Daisy Neer. Photo Submitted.