Summer Nursing Program Brings Out the Best in UWG Student

Being able to be a part of one of the most selective programs within a student’s desired field is a dream come true. For Savannah DeVane, a senior nursing major at the University of West Georgia, the experience of being in a rigorous program opened her eyes up to something that she didn’t expect – but she enjoyed every minute of it.  

This past summer, DeVane was one of the few applicants chosen to participate in the Camp Kudzu program. Camp Kudzu is a summer camp held yearly around the metro Atlanta area, offering four weeklong overnight camps for children and teens living with Type 1 diabetes. The organization is also known for its family camps and its annual Sprouts Day Camp.  

DeVane didn’t find out about Camp Kudzu through a quick Google search or from a social media post; it all came to her through email.  

“I got the flyer in my email, looked it over, and decided that it would be a fun way to learn more about diabetes management,” she said. “So I applied for the position.”  

By taking on the position, DeVane was determined to shape her vision for her future career in nursing. 

During her time at Camp Kudzu, DeVane served as the medical clinician in training, which required her to attend to the needs of children living with Type 1 diabetes. Since it was her first time working in a pediatric setting, the experience provided her extensive insight on pediatric care and how Type 1 diabetes has made the kids gain a new level of independence in terms of managing their own condition.  

“I was amazed observing the kids draw up their own insulin, manage their pumps, change their Dexcom sites and use all of the available technology to help with their glucose regulation,” DeVane said. 

One of the clinicians that DeVane worked with served as a guide for working with children with diabetes and what to know in her future career as a medical clinician. From making sure that children get the right dose of insulin to counting carbs before every meal, the experience heightened her interests in wanting to work with children. 

“One of the clinicians I worked with is living with Type 1, so it was very helpful to have that perspective as well as a future clinician,” she said.  

As a graduating senior, DeVane’s day-to-day life consists of lectures, clinicals or labs depending on the time of the week. With how busy life can get, she does try to incorporate wellness methods in her routine to keep her motivated — this can be anything from hanging out with loved ones and going to bed early.  

“I do try to prioritize self-care,” she shared. “During my time as a nursing student, I usually get myself a little treat or try to set aside some time to relax at least once a week.” 

With the future looking bright for DeVane, she has recently accepted a position as an ICU Nurse. Now that she has a job to start postgraduation, she is willing to take on new challenges and explore different areas of nursing to build her expertise.  

“My goals after my time at UWG ends would be to get my footing in my new career and never stop learning,” DeVane said. “I would like to experience being a change nurse, a rapid response nurse, and I would love to work at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta on their endocrine unit at some point in my career.”