Nursing Department welcomes “stuffy” patients during inaugural Teddy Bear Clinic

It was a busy Thursday morning at the Drama and Ted Russell Center on Carson-Newman University’s campus. Home to C-N’s Nursing Department, the bustling center welcomed some unusual patients in need of care – as well as their pre-school owners.

The event kicked-off the inaugural Teddy Bear Clinic. Children from the University’s Child Development Lab (CDL) along with their favorite stuffed animals were hosted at the center by C-N nursing faculty and staff. Anticipated as a new annual event, the day hosted 16 children from the CDL.

“The idea of the Teddy Bear Clinic is to allow young kids the opportunity to experience a doctor’s office or hospital to lessen their fears of the unknown,” said Dr. Beau Christian, assistant nursing department chair and simulation director. “Through this positive experience, we hope to plant a seed of trust in healthcare and maybe even a future job in nursing.”

During the event children were able to examine their stuffed animal, apply bandages and band-aids, listen to heartbeats, give simulated shots and presented a certificate for a clean bill of health for their special friend.

“We hope the children will feel more comfortable in a hospital or clinic setting with medical professionals,” said Tammy Hickle, director of the CDL. “It is a great opportunity for the preschoolers to learn about procedures and emergency situations in a controlled setting.”