Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Nursing is adopting a week of Code Academy hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee. The collaboration gives young coders the chance to solve real-life challenges in the nursing industry.
VUMC Nursing is crafting a comprehensive program that addresses four significant nursing issues: stress and well-being, how to help patients comply with treatment for high blood pressure, inclusive hiring and retention strategies, and how to stay on task amid competing demands.
Students will hear presentations from nursing and informatics experts on July 8 and work on their tech solutions over the course of the week. VUMC Nursing professionals will judge the apps on Friday, July 12, at the Thompson Lane Branch of the Nashville Public Library.
“VUMC Nursing is excited to be ‘early adopters’ of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee’s Code Academy. This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the array of nursing careers with digital, hands-on experience. The future of nursing depends on attracting creative, visionary people from a variety of backgrounds with many skill sets,” said Mamie Williams, PhD, MPH, MSN, APRN, senior director for Nurse Diversity and Inclusion at VUMC. “I personally cannot wait to see what solutions the students dream up.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs started Code Academy to increase youth interest in tech/digital careers and to help facilitate a platform to elevate youth voices.
“Code Academy is a great program for young people, and I am proud to have our youth put their minds and their voices to work as they come up with innovative solutions for the nursing industry,” said Melissa Smith, Director of Virtual and Blended learning at Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle TN.