Bastrop Middle School is excited to announce the success of its after-school program, Bears Who Care, which provides middle school students with a unique opportunity to explore the medical field and gain hands-on experience in healthcare. The program, led by Meghan Kempken, RN, the school nurse, is designed to prepare students for future careers in the medical profession while instilling a passion for helping others.
The idea for Bears Who Care came from Kempken’s own experiences as a high school student, where she began her journey in the medical field with little prior knowledge of what was to come. “When I started my nursing school journey in high school to become a CNA, I went in blind as to the knowledge I needed to be successful,” said Kempken. “I wanted to give my middle school students a head start, so they would have the knowledge they need to succeed in high school medical courses and beyond, without feeling overwhelmed by the information."
This school year, Kempken is working with 15 students who meet once a week for one hour after school. The program provides a comprehensive introduction to various medical fields, from nursing and doctors to veterinary science and radiology. Students are learning foundational skills such as taking vital signs, performing head-to-toe assessments, and understanding basic human anatomy.
Kempken’s mission is to give students a realistic view of the medical field, including the challenges and rewards it brings. “A lot of students enter medical school without fully understanding what they are getting into,” Kempken explained. “I want to provide them with a genuine look at what being in the medical field involves, so they can make informed decisions about their future.”
Through Bears Who Care, students not only gain valuable knowledge and experience but also begin to understand the empathy needed in this field. Students recently had the opportunity to observe and interact with patients during a field trip to Argent Court, where they visited with residents and distributed special treats.
At the end of the year, Kempken hopes that her students will walk away with a greater understanding of the medical profession, a sense of purpose, and newfound confidence in their future career paths. "I am incredibly proud of these students for their initiative and commitment to making a difference in people's lives, even at a young age," Kempken said. "I hope they leave this program with the knowledge they need to succeed, as well as the inspiration to continue exploring the many possibilities within the medical field."
