Teddy Bear Clinic a Tremendous Success

Our center's first-ever "Teddy Bear Clinic" received a lot of media attention this last Friday. This event was proposed by second-year Medical Professions Instructor, Mrs. Amanda Estes. "The idea was for our Medical Professions and CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) students to simulate a clinic with different stations for wound care, stethoscopes, etc. by engaging with kindergarten students," said Estes. Instead of patients, Jonesboro Kindergarten Center (JKC) students were each given their own teddy bear. NEACTC and JKC students were also given PPE (personal protective equipment) to wear throughout the entire clinic. "We want the kindergarten students to become more comfortable with going to the doctor," Student Affairs Director Sherry Bookout explained. "So many kindergartners are scared of the doctor and this event showed them how a clinical setting can be fun and not so scary." Gracie Stewart, a CNA student from Jonesboro High School said, "It was a good experience and good practice. I liked it a lot. I enjoyed working with the kids and making them more interested in our field and in the medical field."