Education Opens Doors For A Baltimore Health Care Manager
Baltimore is home to some of the best hospitals in the nation, and they continue to stay abreast of the changing roles in health care, which includes the innovative field of simulation technology. Simulation technology is the imitation of a real-world process followed over time to measure possible outcomes and develop solutions.
Jessica Ockimey is the Nursing Simulation Manager at The Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing. Ockimey is responsible for overseeing the daily activities of nursing students as they prepare for unforeseen events in the field. She also prepares the students by using medical dummies and other simulation techniques.
As a knowledgeable mover and shaker in the Baltimore health care sector, Ockimey is making great strides as she leads her colleagues and trainees to future on-the-job success.
Where did you receive your post-secondary education, and what was your major?
"I received an associate degree in Business Administration from Baltimore City Community College."
Is the field of simulation new?
"Well, the field of simulation is new and old. Simulation techniques have been used for years in the armed services, but now it's used widely across the entire health care field. Training is conducted using human simulators because this enables the trainee to make as many mistakes as needed. In my field, we are able to model anything, from seizures to heart attacks."
Do you think that your education is helpful in your current occupation?
"Business administration is very important as it allows me to think quickly on my feet, finding new solutions to unforeseen problems on the job. I also attend annual conferences where I am able to network with and learn from others about the field. Furthermore, I participate in site visits to other hospitals and universities to gain additional ongoing knowledge."
What advice do you have for others considering a career in health care administration?
"Since my position was attained with a combination of education, experience, networking and aptitude, I always tell my children about the importance of having a college degree. In my opinion, it is worth it to go the extra mile to better yourself in order to achieve your goals. Even if you don't know what you want to be when you grow up, go to school because it lays the foundation for the mental groundwork needed later in life. You can always have the option to go back to school to gain more knowledge and/or change your life purpose. Remember, you are only stuck if you have a closed mind, but you can also go as far [in your profession] as your mind takes you."
Keisha Oduor is a professional writer and entrepreneur who resides in Baltimore, Maryland. She has a degree in Communications and French from New York University with work experience in publishing, nonprofits, healthcare administration and program management. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
