Greenville Reporter

Nurses and Child Life staff from ECU Health recently organized the Teddy Bear Hospital at Northwest Elementary School in Pitt County. The event, held on December 17 as part of the Pitt County Health Sciences Academy, engaged nearly 130 kindergarten and first-grade students. It aimed to introduce children to health care professionals in a friendly and interactive environment.

Students dressed in scrubs and personal protective equipment (PPE) took on the role of caregivers for their stuffed animals. They navigated their "patients" through the health care process, beginning with check-in and triage. ECU Health nurses examined the toys, provided diagnoses, and directed children to one of three stations: Sutures & Bandages, Operating Room, or Clinic. Following this, students and their stuffed animals visited a recovery area where each received a certificate of bravery.

“This event offers a unique and playful way to familiarize children with health care professionals,” stated Nancy Turner, workforce development consultant at ECU Health. “By engaging with the students in a hands-on setting, we’re helping to make health care less intimidating while sparking curiosity about health-related careers.”

Turner highlighted the significance of early exposure to health care. “When kids see the process in a fun and supportive environment, it not only eases fears about doctor’s visits but also shows them that health care is approachable and full of possibilities,” she said.

For many students, the Teddy Bear Hospital marks just the start of their journey into exploring health care. In collaboration with the Health Sciences Academy, ECU Health team members offer various programs for middle and high school students such as job shadowing, career fairs, and events like “Chat with a Doc.”

“The goal is to engage students at every stage of their education,” Turner explained. “Starting in elementary school, we show them that health care careers are diverse and accessible. Whether their interests lie in nursing, technology, or another area, there’s a role for everyone in health care.”

These initiatives demonstrate ECU Health's dedication to inspiring future health care professionals while building a robust local talent pipeline for eastern North Carolina.

The Pitt County Health Sciences Academy is a collaboration involving ECU Health, Pitt County Schools, Pitt Community College, East Carolina University along with its Brody School of Medicine; Colleges of Allied Health Sciences; Engineering; Nursing; School of Dental Medicine; Eastern Area Health Education Center; and Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce.