What is nurse camp?
UW Nurse Camp is a fully-funded week-long camp for high school sophomores and juniors who are interested in learning about the field of nursing. Hosted on campus at the Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Center, the camp is geared towards increasing access and opportunities in nursing to a more diverse population of youth ages 15 and older.
A Day-to-Day Look
Each day at nurse camp is hands-on, heart-filled, and eye-opening. Campers dive into the world of nursing through engaging activities, real clinical simulations, and inspiring conversations with nurses, faculty, and students. From learning to take vital signs and practicing CPR, to touring hospital units and exploring health equity, every day brings new skills, new friends, and a deeper understanding of what it means to care for others. It’s a full week of discovery, connection, and empowerment—one that often sparks a lifelong calling.
Day 1 at UW Nurse Camp sets the tone for the entire experience. From the moment students arrive, they’re encouraged to step into the shoes of a nurse—embracing the responsibility, curiosity, and care that the profession demands. The journey begins with a tour of the UW campus, including a visit to the Husky Union Building—a favorite spot where current students study, recharge, and connect. From there, students dive into their first hands-on lessons in nursing. They learn how to check vital signs and correctly put on personal protective equipment (PPE)—essential skills that every nurse uses daily. The day wraps up with HIPAA training, where students learn about the importance of patient privacy and confidentiality. This foundational knowledge helps them understand what it means to be a compassionate, empathetic caregiver who upholds the highest standards of trust and professionalism.
Day 2 dives deeper into hands-on learning, giving students a real feel for the life-saving skills nurses use every day. The morning kicks off with CPR training, where students not only learn critical techniques but also complete a skills assessment to put their knowledge to the test. After lunch, the experience continues at the UW School of Nursing’s state-of-the-art Simulation Lab. Here, students explore how to take vital signs, respond to a Code Blue, and understand the importance of “Stop the Bleed” procedures. These immersive simulations help students begin to picture what a typical day as a nurse might look like—focused, fast-paced, and rooted in care.
Day 3 starts bright and early, as students travel to the UW Medical Center – Northwest campus for a unique, real-world experience. Upon arrival, each student is paired with a nurse to shadow throughout the day. This one-on-one time offers a powerful glimpse into the daily responsibilities, challenges, and impact of the nursing profession—bringing classroom lessons to life. After shadowing and lunch, students take part in the “Social Determinants of Health” game, an interactive activity that highlights how cultural, economic, and societal factors can shape a patient’s health and access to care. The day wraps up with a relaxing yoga session—a thoughtful reminder that caring for others starts with caring for yourself, especially in a field as demanding and rewarding as nursing.
By Day 4, students have formed strong connections with one another and are beginning to see just how vital community is within the nursing profession. The day begins with an overview of the UW School of Nursing’s admissions process and available financial aid resources—helping students see a clear path toward their future in nursing. Next, they hear directly from current UW nursing students across all programs (BSN, aBSN, RN to BSN, DNP, and PhD) during an inspiring and informative panel discussion. Later in the day, students are introduced to pharmacology and how it fits into everyday nursing practice. Then comes a camp favorite: Nurse Speed Rounds. Modeled after speed dating, this fast-paced activity gives students a chance to meet and interview nurses from a variety of backgrounds and specialties—opening their eyes to the many career paths and personal stories within the field.
The final day of UW Nurse Camp brings everything full circle, offering students one last opportunity to step into the world of nursing through a second shadowing experience at UW Medical Center. This hands-on time with nurses helps reinforce what students have learned throughout the week and deepens their understanding of patient care in action. Afterward, students learn about volunteer opportunities available at UWMC—perfect for those who want to stay connected and continue exploring healthcare beyond camp. As the day winds down, students come together for a heartfelt graduation ceremony. Each camper is recognized and celebrated for their commitment, growth, and successful completion of the program—walking away inspired, empowered, and one step closer to a future in nursing.
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Chris Molina
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Jesalyn Castro-Nunez
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Vi Tran
Who attends nurse camp?
2024 Fast Facts
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nurse camp applicants
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campers admitted to the program
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first-gen students attended
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from an underrepresented race
Why Nurse Camp?
Becoming a nurse can be a life-altering decision. With its evolving landscape, the field of nursing is rapidly changing everyday. UW Nurse Camp aims to prepare high school seniors and juniors for this field by providing them with firsthand knowledge and experience from the nurses of today.
The generosity of donors enables us to keep this camp free of charge for campers, removing financial barriers that might prevent a student from participating. This opens doors to students who may not have the chance to explore opportunities in nursing otherwise: about 50% of nurse campers plan to be the first in their family to attend college.
A donation of $300 can fund one student for the entire week of UW Nurse Camp. This includes a nutritious breakfast, lunch, snacks, and related supplies such as scrubs, volunteer t-shirts, notebooks, pens, CPR and HIPAA training and other activities.
If you’d like more information about Nurse Camp, please reach out to uwnursecamp@uw.edu.