The Nursing Exploration Patch program implemented in Mississippi by the MHA Health Careers Center was awarded on June 8th, 2004 at South Central Regional Medical Center. A reception was held for Girl Scouts from Jones, Jasper, and Smith Counties. There, they received their Nurse Exploration Scouting Badges for completing the program. There were 153 girls from 10 troops ranging in age from 6 to 12 who participated in the program. Ninety-three of those completed the program and were presented certificates and badges at the reception by HCC's very own, Curnis Upkins and Rosalyn Howard. Through the program, the girls learned about the education that is needed to become a nurse, what tools are used in nursing, and what areas nurses work in today. The girls also participated in a poster contest where they were instructed to create a poster representing a heart healthy theme. The five winners of the contest were Tabby Stevens, Ebony Goss, Morgan Lewis, Kirsten Baddock, and Maria O'Conner.

The Girl Scout troops that participated in the program were Glade Troop 246, Soso Troop 229, Powers Troop 198, Glade Troop 166, Sandersville Troop 142, Taylorsville Troop 478, Shady Grove Troop 424, Pleasant Ridge Troop 428, Bay Springs Troop 365, and Myrick Troop 40.
 

The Nursing Exploration patch program is based on a similar Girl Scout patch program in North Carolina and brought to Mississippi by the MHA Health Career Center as a way to increase youth's knowledge of the variety of career opportunities available in nursing, and to increase their awareness of the growing need for nurses in Mississippi. The MHA Health Careers Center is working with both Girl and Boy Scout groups statewide to implement career exploration activities. In addition, the HCC will work with other youth organizations to make the program available to as many of Mississippi's young people as possible.