BUTTE — Administering the second round of the Moderna vaccine to Butte’s oldest seniors was an honor for those in Montana Tech’s nursing department.
“It’s so meaningful, it’s one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done as a nurse,” said Montana Tech Nursing Instructor Danette Melvin.
Students in the Butte university’s nursing department applied what they’ve learned in the classroom with some real-world training during a vaccination clinic at the Butte Civic Center this week. Under the direction of Montana Tech’s nursing instructors, the students checked those getting vaccinated and administered the shots to about 200 seniors getting their final vaccinations.
“We’ve had people who are tearful, we have people who want to have their picture taken so they can share it with their family. People are just so thankful and so excited for this,” said Melvin.
Nursing students were happy to use their skills to help the community during this pandemic.
“I love being a nursing student and I can’t wait to become a nurse, because you get to help people. You change their life just by being who you are and helping them when they’re not at their best,” said nursing student Mackenzie Koetter.
And for some of the senior citizens who can’t make their way into the Civic Center, the nursing students are actually administering the vaccine in the parking lot in the seniors' vehicles.
“It’s awesome to come out and give these vaccinations, even the small part like loading the vials or signing people, anything is like a big role and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it,” said nursing student Hannah Perala.
