Patient David de Posada rolled down his sleeve without as much as a moan or groan.

“That’s my third intramuscular injection,” said Procoppic, a junior nursing student of Warner Robins who holds a bachelor’s degree in biology. “I was a little nervous with my first but felt more confident with my second. The more injections I give the easier it becomes.”

A fellow nursing student gave Procoppic her flu shot earlier in the day Friday.

“I wanted to see what it felt like so I could empathize with the patients,” she said.

Georgia College junior and senior nursing students team each Friday in October to provide the flu vaccine to the public and to practice administering intramuscular injections. The seniors mentor the juniors through the process and offer advice from their experiences.

“In terms of nursing school, I’m the pro,” said senior Annie Geminder who will graduate in December. “My advice is the faster the needle goes into the skin, the less it hurts.”

Nursing instructor Debbie Grier collaborated with Director of Student Health Services Alice Loper and health education Professor Barbara Funke to provide the students injection practice.

“It’s very important for the nursing students to learn intramuscular injection techniques,” Grier said. “This is one of their best opportunities.

Nursing students are available each Friday in October from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to administer flu shots. Beginning in November flu vaccines will become available at Georgia College clinic daily from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. The cost is $20.