FLU CLINIC HELD AT WILLIAMSON COUNTY CAMPUS
Nursing Students Participate in Administering Influenza Immunizations

Right: Columbia State nursing students Amy Baldwin (left) and Travis Johnson (right) are pictured with second semester nursing instructor Laura Oettel (center). "Mrs. Oettel goes out of her way to set up opportunities for us--she went and got us involved in this and it's been great because this will be something we can use," said Baldwin. Baldwin and Johnson are two of many second semester nursing students that participated in the flu clinic that was sponsored by Williamson Medical Center and held at Columbia State Community College's Williamson County Campus on October 7 and 8.

Second semester students in the nursing program at Columbia State Community College's Williamson County Campus participated in a flu clinic sponsored by Williamson Medical Center. The clinic was held at Columbia State's Williamson County Campus on Wednesday, October 7 and Thursday, October 8 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The clinic gave nursing students an opportunity to practice skills they learned during the first semester of the nursing program.

"Not only is it a learning experience for our students, but they actually get to implement the skills that they learned in their first semester-then they will be more confident as they go into hospitals and as they progress throughout the rest of the nursing program," said Laura Oettel, second semester nursing instructor at Columbia State's Williamson County campus. "When they go out to get a job and they are asked what experience they have, they can say 'I participated in a flu clinic with Columbia State Community College."

Immunizations for the seasonal flu were administered by the nursing students. The immunization, which cost $20, is recommended for all children six months of age and older, all adults age 50 and older, individuals who are at risk for complications, and anyone who wants to decrease their chances of becoming ill or spreading it to others.

"By being immunized against the flu, you not only protect yourself-you protect your children, and you protect everyone you come in contact with. The flu is a virus, and it's transmitted by coughing, sneezing, and through the air," said Oettel.

This is the first year the students at the Williamson County Campus have participated in a flu clinic.

"We hope to be able to partner with Williamson Medical Center in future influenza immunization clinics," said Oettel.

For more information about fighting the flu, please visit http://columbiastate.edu/fighttheflu