The Penwasciz Health Careers Program is not accepting applications at this time. Please check back in late summer 2025 for information about the 2025-2026 program.

The Penwasciz program has been an active student volunteer program at Advocate Condell Medical Center for over 60 years. The name is derived from three things a nurse always carries: a pen, watch and scissors. It is an educational volunteer program that exposes high school students interested in health care careers to various health care specialties.

If accepted, students are placed into clinical groups that participate in weekly two-hour rotations shadowing health care personnel in nursing and support services areas within the hospital. Through direct patient interactions and observations, Penwasciz can enhance the student’s hospital experience and help reinforce their desire to pursue a career in the medical field.

Program structure

Eligible participants: High school juniors and seniors ages 16 and older.

Timeframe: Weekly from October 2024 to April 2025

Clinical rotations: Mondays 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 p.m.

Clinical areas: Students are placed on medical/surgical units and shadow health care providers in specialty areas such as obstetrics, respiratory, radiology, emergency department, cardiology and pharmacy, where they are allowed to observe procedures (with patient permission).

Orientation: Each student attends one five-hour orientation session plus an additional four-hour session for CPR training for students who are not currently certified in CPR for health care providers.

Monthly educationals: Guest speakers discuss health care and wellness topics or roles within health care.

Graduation: We host a ceremony at the end of the program.

Attendance requirement: Only two absences allowed.

Questions?

Contact us to learn more.