ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) – Odessa College health science students took a break from studying to focus on their own mental health ahead of finals week.

The second annual Nursing Mental Health Day brought together students to learn about handling high stress and avoiding burnout in the nursing profession.

Retired U.S. Air Force Captain Roy Browning served as the keynote speaker, empathizing with the next generation of healthcare.

“There is quite a few people that have PTSD in the nursing career field, so, a lot of the times they see trauma every day, every day, and sometimes it has a tendency to build. But you can’t just let that stay inside,” said Browning, director of Med-Surg ICU.

Throughout the day, students participated in stress-relief activities including creating miniature zen gardens and spending time with therapy dogs, all in an effort to help students prepare for the most stressful week of their classes.

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