HSU Nursing Students Bring Vaccines To Big Country Rural School In Need

The availability of getting vaccines in this area is very slim," says Haskell CISD Nurse Blanks.

Many rural districts in the Big Country don't have direct access to medical care. Doctors in Haskell don't give immunizations so today, HSU nursing students brought the shots to them.

Laci Butler, a nursing student administering shots says, "It's been eye-opening for us because we see how these kids can't afford healthcare or they don't have a way to get healthcare and so we're able to provide that for them."

Today kicked off HSU's annual immunization outreach, where first year nursing students, after rigorous preparation, take their skills to a different type of classroom, one where they make the moves. Their first stop, Rochester Junior High.

Butler says "I don't learn when I'm in a classroom. I try but I don't. So, when I'm hands on with the kids," she adds, "It's a lot easier to learn."

Trinity Tumlinson says she never had an interest in working with children but after the various community outreach projects, she's opened her mind.

Tumlinson says, "It gives us an opportunity to explore more options. Because you go in thinking you want to do something but really, you're not that sure. None of us have worked in those areas so this allows us to be familiar with everything."

Instructors say the program, has proved to be invaluable experience for the students - not to mention the impact it's had on the communities.