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Paging the Next Generation of Caregivers

From “dinosaur surgery” to ambulance tours, kids explore healthcare roles at Tower Health
An elementary school student uses a laparoscopic grasper to carefully remove toy pieces during 'Dinosaur Surgery'.

Inside Pottstown Hospital, a group of elementary school students prepared for their first “surgery” of the day.

Dressed in oversized gowns, gloves, and caps, they crowded around the operating table to examine their “patient,” who had mysteriously swallowed a pound of slimy goo and dozens of tiny plastic dinosaurs.

Using a laparoscopic grasper, the students carefully removed more than 40 toy pieces, smiling and cheering with each successful “extraction.”

“This was so cool! Five stars. No, it was 10 stars,” one student said.

A mother and child enjoy time outdoors at 'Take Your Child to Word Day' at Tower Health

Dinosaur surgery was one of the many hands-on activities offered during Tower Health’s annual “Take Your Child to Work Day,” where nearly 130 students got a behind-the-scenes look at Pottstown Hospital, Phoenixville Hospital, Reading Hospital, and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.

“We hope we inspired some future nurses, physicians, technicians, and healthcare leaders,” said Michael Stern, Tower Health president and CEO. “From the moment our young guests arrived, their energy and curiosity were incredible to see. We’re happy they had fun, learned, and gained a better understanding of what their parents and grandparents do each day to care for patients and the community.”

Elementary school children learn about imaging equipment at Take your Child to Work Day at Tower Health

In addition to visiting the operating room, students explored healthcare careers, snuggled with therapy dogs, climbed aboard TowerDIRECT ambulances, learned proper hand hygiene, watched how medical instruments and machines work, and created healthy parfaits and granola snack bags with nutrition services.

Depending on the hospital location and age group, they also toured various medical areas, including imaging centers, simulation labs, and the helipad.

The event was organized by Tower Health’s Human Resources Department, C.R.E.W. Employee Engagement committees, and Community Engagement teams.

“The response has been fantastic, and we are happy that we can continue to offer events like this for our employees and their children,” said Keri Shingleton, Senior Director, Total Rewards and HR Operations. “It’s a meaningful opportunity to connect students with our workplaces, inspire future careers in healthcare, and continue building a strong sense of community across Tower Health.”