Decatur General donates vitals machine to HHS medical professions program

Hartselle High School received an infusion of new technology to help its students interested in nursing and other medical fields prepare for the real world.

Decatur General Hospital donated a vitals machine to the school’s medical professions program.

Anita Walden, chief nursing officer for Decatur General, presented the equipment to nursing instructor Lynne Shelton Thursday afternoon. Walden said this is something the nurses use on a daily basis.

“Nurses have to measure the four primary vital signs every day, which are body temperature, pulse, blood pressure and respiratory rate,” Walden said. “This machine will measure two of the four. So when these students participate in job shadowing, they’ll use a similar machine in a real hospital. It is so important that they have all the right tools and training to truly understand the medical field so that they can make solid decisions about their career choices.”

Shelton said she was thrilled to receive the technology.

“This is an expensive piece of equipment,” Shelton said. “With the amount of money we receive from the state, there is no way we could afford to purchase this type of machine. It is really awesome that Decatur General Hospital is donating this to us. And it also frees up what we can spend on other equipment.”

Since arriving at HHS, Shelton and Hartselle High have worked hard to revamp the medical professions program. Currently, 25 students are in the foundation – or first-year – level course and eight are in the second-year course.