Greenwich, CT (April 27, 2017) – Erika Setzer, RN, nurse manager at Greenwich Hospital’s Emergency Department, usually has to coax her daughter, Gianna Helmeyer, to get out of bed most mornings. But not on National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.
“She was dressed and ready to go by 5:45 am!” said Setzer. “It’s a great educational experience for kids to see how a hospital works.”
“I love coming to the hospital,” said Gianna, 9, who wants to be a nurse one day.“The best part is spending the day with my mom.”
Gianna was among the nearly 100 children ages 5 to 17 of Greenwich Hospital employees who enjoyed a day of interactive activities, clinical demonstrations and behind-the-scenes tours showcasing a variety of hospital operations and careers.
Children toured the physical plant and the data center, viewed the inside of an ambulance, and learned about radiology, physical medicine, pharmacy, the emergency department and other medical specialties through hands-on activities. Officers from the Greenwich Police Department and paramedics from Greenwich Emergency Medical Service also met with the kids to explain their roles in the community and give them a chance to explore a police van and ambulance.
“Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day has become a wonderful tradition for our staff and their families,” said Melissa Turner, senior vice president of Human Resources for Greenwich and Bridgeport Hospitals. “Children enjoy seeing what their parents do at work. It also provides them with an opportunity to think about what they want to be when they grow up.”
Turner’s children – thirteen-year-old Caroline and nine-year-old Jack – have been attending the event since they were in kindergarten. Though she hasn’t made a final decision about a future career, Caroline said “being a doctor would be pretty cool because they make a difference” in people’s lives.
Norman G. Roth, Greenwich Hospital president, kicked off the festivities which was open to children from kindergarten through 12th grade. The day also included breakfast and lunch.
Paul Jablonski, RN, said bringing his two children – second-grader Storm and kindergartener Summer – to Greenwich Hospital was special. “It’s a fun day for everyone."
