Making sacrifices in order to reach life goals is nothing new to Mardecia Hardy, rehabilitation technician, at Chesapeake General Hospital located in Chesapeake, Virginia. Before beginning School at Work (SAW), Mardecia was employed as a CNA in the medical surgery unit. Interacting in the program gave Mardecia the confidence to look ahead. She had always dreamt of being in the physical therapy department, but was not sure how to go about the process of "taking the next step." While attending SAW classes, Mardecia interviewed and was accepted into the physical therapy department where she can gain the necessary experience to help her reach her goals. Mardecia credits her unit directors for supporting her efforts by allowing scheduling consideration so that she could attend SAW classes.
A mother of three, Mardecia will take time away from her family and cut her hospital work hours to attend evening classes at Tidewater Community College. Mardecia will make up missed hours on the weekends. She plans to become a physical therapy assistant, continuing her education until she reaches her goal of becoming a physical therapist.
Charles Ofoe - Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute
Coach: Diane Barish
With many barriers to overcome, Charles Ofoe exhibits the epitome of perseverance and tenacity it takes to successfully conquer personal and professional goals. An immigrant from Ghana, West Africa, Charles moved to Northern Virginia five years ago. Having worked as a hospital aide in his native country, Charles was hired as a psychiatric technician at Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI).
With the School at Work program offering, Charles jumped at the chance as he states, "to increase his knowledge". Charles says that, "he was satisfied with his position in life, until he had the opportunity to attend the SAW program." He also says, "had it not been for SAW and learning about the potential benefits of increased education and job advancement as they relate to financial freedom, he would not have pursued a university program". With financial assistance, the support of his family and his manager's encouragement, Charles has chosen to pursue the Nursing Program at MaryMount University located in Arlington, Virginia. Classes began in June. Charles tells us he is using vacation time to complete required internal training and that he, "will work hard to achieve his goal." He writes, "I will never let the SAW program down. I will work tirelessly to make sure that future students can also enjoy the privileges of the SAW program. I won the 2003 employee of the year award and all eyes are on me. I plan to become a nurse!"
Denver Market
Roman Juarez
When Ralph "Roman" Juarez heard about the HCA Cares scholarship program last year, he didn't waste any time pursuing a new career in nursing.
"The demand was there for RNs (Registered Nurses), and the scholarship was available, so I jumped on it," said Roman, who had been looking to make a career change. "I feel very fortunate to get the scholarship. I'm very blessed."
Roman, 40, worked as a paramedic until June of 2002. After sustaining a back injury and realizing he had accomplished all he could as an Emergency Medical Technician and then paramedic, the 12-year veteran of emergency medicine decided it was time to make a professional change. But, Roman, who as a child "always wanted to help people," knew he wanted to stay in healthcare.
A graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, Roman returned to school last summer to take prerequisites for a nursing program. While talking with someone from Community College of Denver (CCD), Roman found out about a newly developed accelerated RN program and that he was eligible to receive an HCA Cares scholarship.
"It all happened rather quickly," Roman said. "When they told me I got the scholarship I had to finish my prerequisites a little early to qualify. I went into the nursing school a week later."
His HCA Cares scholarship pays for his tuition, books and uniforms. To cover living expenses, Roman works part-time as an EMT instructor, teaching skills such as intubation, wound care and limb immobilization to paramedic trainees.
One of just 32 students in CCD's accelerated nursing program, Roman is scheduled to graduate this November. After completing his training, Roman plans to put his emergency background to work at Swedish Medical Center, a Level I trauma center.
"It's been a blessing," said Roman, who would have had to enroll in a two-year program without the HCA Cares scholarship. "It's huge. I can get this all done in a little over a year."
Miami Market
Gertrude Dadaille
Ever since Gertrude was a little girl, she wanted to be a nurse. After the birth of her two girls, now 13 and 11, that dream seemed like an impossible goal. Before beginning school in 2002 at Miami Dade Community College, she worked at William A. Ingraham and Associates as a bookkeeper for seven years until becoming unemployed in 2001. Necessity and desperation lead to the most wonderful opportunity. She decided it was time that she worked towards a brighter future. As a single mother with two girls at home, this was not an easy decision to make. The HCA Cares scholarship came at the perfect time for Gertrude. After applying for financial aid and being denied twice, the HCA Cares scholarship gave her the opportunity to begin the LPN program and ease the financial burden. Today, Gertrude is one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. In combination with a part-time job at Miami Dade Community College and the HCA Cares Scholarship, Gertrude works towards becoming an LPN. She graduates from the LPN program July 2004. The opportunity to attend school has not only given Gertrude a more positive outlook on life, but it has also given her daughters a wonderful role model. The lesson on the importance of education has become a living experience for both Gertrude and her daughters. She looks forward to the wonderful experience of being an LPN, but this is not the end of the road, just the beginning of a new life that was made possible because of the opportunity to go to school.
Rosanna McTaggart
Rosanna is a single Mother and was a Travel Agent for the last 5 years. She moved from Tampa to start a job with Lowestfare.com in Ft. Lauderdale; however, the position didn't last long due to the company closing it's doors on Oct. 1, 2001. Rosanna and her son have been living with her brother and his family since Oct and will use the HCA Cares Scholarship to go back to nursing school. Rosanna's father is a nurse in Montana and is delighted that Rosanna will follow his footsteps. Rosanna has an AA degree and a varied background. She used to be Racetrack manager, Beauty School instructor, Restaurant manager, and Travel Agent. Currently, Rosanna is taking the pre-requisite classes for nursing and hopes to start the Nursing program by January of 2003.
Geovanna Chabot
Geovanna was an Account manager with Keystone Computer Rentals, a company that supplies computers and other technical equipment at trade shows and conventions. Since September 11, 2001, very few people are traveling to conventions and trade shows and the company laid her off on Oct 1, 2001. Prior to the Account Manager position, Geovanna has worked as a Technical Support Engineer for the Answer Group. Although Geovanna was efficient at her technical jobs, she wasn't fulfilled with her line of work and discovered, through career assessment test, that the nursing profession is better suited for her personality and interests. Currently, Geovanna is taking the pre-requisite classes for nursing and hopes to start the Nursing program by January of 2003.
Jason Zielsdorff
Jason has a BA in Psychology and used to work in Sales at the Target Corporation but was laid off on Oct 28, 2001. Prior to that position, he was exposed to the nursing profession when he worked as a "Resident Advocate" at a long term nursing center. At the nursing center, he would resolve issues with families and residents, administer initial psychosocial assessments, and serve as the manager on duty. Jason enjoyed working with the nursing staff and residents and feels that the HCA scholarship will allow him to pursue the nursing profession. Currently, Jason is taking the pre-requisite classes for nursing and hopes to start the Nursing program by January of 2003.
Paule Buchanan
You won't see Paule (pronounced Paula) depressed about the fact the she was laid off from the IT department at Muvico Theaters (ticket sales are down since 9/11/01). Her smile and enthusiasm will light up a room when she talks about becoming a nurse. Paule's mother, a nurse who works in Miami, exposed her to the nursing profession by setting up "shadowing" experiences. When asked how Paule will contribute to HCA, she answers, "I'd like to be just like my mother who is a "celebrity" with her patients and co-workers-everyone knows and loves my Mom." Paule has two children and is currently taking pre-requisite classes for nursing and hopes to start the Nursing program by January of 2003.
Ann Emmonette
Ann enjoyed working in the Cruise business for the last four years until her position ended on Oct 19, 2001. She has extensive customer interface experience, computer skills, and a human resource background. Ann will use the HCA Cares scholarship to help her finish her goal of becoming a nurse. Currently, Ann is taking the pre-requisite classes for nursing and hopes to start the Nursing program by January of 2003.
Angela Richards
Angela was already taking classes towards the nursing degree at Broward Community College when she was laid off from her accounting coordinator position at a healthcare agency on Sept 14, 2001. Since that time, she has tried to find a job so she can continue taking classes to complete her dream of becoming a nurse. Angela is delighted to be an HCA CARES Scholarship recipient and is enrolled in several pre-requisite classes for nursing. She hopes to start the Nursing program by January of 2003.
Gina D'Ambrosio
Gina is a single mother of four children who works as a bar tender while going to BCC's nursing school full time. Her income depends on tips and has been severely reduced since Sept 11, 2001. Gina will graduate in December of 2002 and will work at Plantation General in the medical/surgical department. Gina will initially use the HCA Cares scholarship to get her home out of foreclosure and stabilize her living situation for herself and four children.
Hermite Salomon
Hermite was laid off from BellSouth on 9/18/01 and is currently enrolled in BCC's RN program. She has extensive student loan debt and bills because of her unemployment from BellSouth. In addition, she cares for 3 small children and her 13 year old niece. She will use the Cares Scholarship money to pay her bills and continue on with the nursing program. Hermite will graduate in August of 2003 and would like to work at Westside or University.
Nicole A. Moss
In February of 2002, Nicole was laid off from her position as a patient care secretary from Vitas Healthcare, Incorporated. Prior to becoming a patient care secretary, Nicole has worked as a CNA and a certified Home Health Aid. She has an A.A degree in Nursing and taken several courses in Midwifery. She is currently enrolled in the A.S. Nursing degree at BCC and will graduate in August of 2003. She has expressed an interest in Plantation General and hopes to get per diem employment at one of our HCA facilities.
Vanessa Byran
Vanessa used to be an "Assembler" for Programma Inc. until she was laid off on 10-28-01. She always wanted to pursue a healthcare career and views the lay off as a "blessing" so she can pursue her life long dream. She is currently enrolled at Atlantic Technical center and will graduate with an L.P.N. certificate by Jan of 2003. She hopes to work at Plantation General when finished.
Wendy Ganzy
Wendy used to work for Response Oncology as a Medical Record Clerk for 3 years until her company laid her off in January of 2002. At the time of her lay off, she was already enrolled in nursing school at BCC and worried how she would continue to support herself. Wendy found out about the HCA Cares scholarship program through another classmate and will use the scholarship for tuition, fees, books and living expenses. She will graduate in August of 2003 and hopes to work at University Hospital or Westside Regional Medical Center.
Beverly Watkins
Beverly knew she wanted to be a nurse since the age of five when she witnesses the home birth of her sister. She never pursued nursing on the advice of her parents and deeply regretted it. After being laid off from Motorola as an Assembler, she feels that this is the time to pursue her dream. Beverly is currently enrolled in the nursing program at BCC and will graduate in December 2003. She hopes to work at University Hospital upon graduation.
Jolie Katz
Jolie was laid off from her position at Corvette Collection in Sept of 2001 and needed finances to continue with college. While in high school, Jolie finished top in her Health Occupations class and was exposed to the nursing field. She has completed the pre-requisite classes for BCC's nursing program and has submitted her nursing application. While she is on the wait list, she will continue with the general classes and hopes to be admitted in the RN program by January 2004.
Lori Longwell
Lori used to work for her parents at JS Cleaners as a Customer Service rep until the business was closed and sold in March of 2002. Lori was exposed to the nursing profession when she cared for her Mother who had cancer and her grandfather who was in Hospice. Lori is currently enrolled in the RN program at BCC and will graduate in August of 2003--she hopes to work at NWMC or PGH.
Marie Edouard
Marie was laid off in December of 2001 from her position as Administrative Asst. at Arquitectonica (architectural firm). She decided to get re-trained in Nursing and has successfully passed all the nursing pre-requisite classes. She is a wife and mother and her family depends on her income. She should graduate from BCC's nursing program by May of 2005.
Tampa Market
Meredith Morrison came to us to inquire about career opportunities; she was especially interested in becoming a Surgical Tech. She was very enthusiastic about a career in healthcare. She most recently ran her own home-based day care but wanted a "career."
Meredith went that very day to Irwin Technical Center and they just happened to have a seat in the evening CST program, she did the preliminary testing and they accepted her with classes starting two days later. Meredith came back to us so excited about being accepted but worried about finances.
We were able to set up her scholarship and arrange payment to the school in time for her to start classes two days later. Meredith has excelled in the program. Her instructor has called me several times to tell me how wonderful she has done in the program. Meredith has maintained a high "A" average throughout the program and has perfect attendance. Meredith is so proud of this accomplishment as we are for her. She never misses an opportunity to thank me for all that the HCA scholarship and what Brandon Hospital has done for her. Meredith will be graduating in December and we are looking forward to having someone with her positive attitude and eagerness to succeed join our staff.
Christina Ugas is also a student at Irwin Technical Center in the LPN program. Christina contacted me because she was looking at making a career change and felt healthcare was where she wanted to be. Christina had worked for years in a clerical position and following a personal experience she had while a family member was a patient here are Brandon Hospital, decided she wanted to be a nurse and take care of people the way her family member had been taken care. Christina could not say enough about one of our RNs who cared for her family member. She expressed an interest in nursing to our employee and they encouraged her to pursue this very fulfilling career.
Christina applied and was accepted for the LPN program at Irwin Technical Center, but was concerned about financing her education. She was very committed to being the "very best nurse she could be" and felt to achieve this she needed to quit her full time clerical job and concentrate 100% on school. The HCA scholarship and living stipend has allowed her to do this. Christina has recently started working with our facility as a Nurse Tech. She could not wait to start her health care career and being on the floor, caring for patients as she works towards her LPN graduation, has only confirmed to her she has made the right choice. Christina is a very caring, gentle person who is well liked by staff and patients. We know she will excel in her nursing career. Christina hopes to pursue obtaining her RN in the future.
Donna Martin is a RN student at Hillsborough Community College. This girl has so much energy and such a positive attitude. we can't wait to have her join our ranks as a Registered Nurse. Donna does everything 100%. She has made a serious commitment to becoming a nurse. Donna has been a stay at home mom for the 8 years. She has always felt one day she would make it to nursing school. She had taken some of the pre-requisite classes at HCC but due to her expanding family, put her career on hold. Donna's husband is an aircraft mechanic and following 9-11, had his hours drastically reduced. This got Donna thinking it was time for her to pursue her career dreams so the family would have two incomes to depend on. Once she made up her mind, she jumped right in. Donna has juggled her family responsibilities, which include four children, one with special needs and school beautifully.
She has maintained an "A" average and can't wait for the day she can call herself a Registered Nurse. Donna has been a great promoter of HCA. She doesn't hesitate to tell her fellow students how grateful she is to have received a scholarship from HCA and to be coming to work at Brandon Regional Hospital when she completes her program. She has referred several students to us for scholarship consideration. Donna is a real dynamo. She occasionally stops by the HR department to drop off grades and update me on the program. Her excitement and enthusiasm is contagious and its great that we were actually able to help someone who was directly affected by the events of 9/11, which was what the scholarship program was originally focusing on.
Dallas Market
In the North Texas Division we have witnessed nothing but success with the HCA Cares Program. This success may be attributed to the relationship between the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and HCA-North Texas Division. Just like any other new initiative, there were a few bumps in the road but after refining our process we have instituted a process that ensures maximum success. Unlike many other markets we have not seen an overwhelming number of dropouts through the HCA Cares Program. This is a result of how well TWC pre-screens all the applicants before they get to the interview level. The three employees at TWC have done a tremendous job in interacting with all 75 students in the program. Without this relationship between TWC and HCA it is hard to say if this program would be as much of a success as it is.
Johna Voss
For Johna Voss, 2001 was a year of dramatic change.
A housewife for five years, the HCA Cares scholarship recipient from Ft. Worth, Texas separated from her husband and moved back home with her mother and Johna's five-year-old daughter, Asa. Johna, 29, quickly found a job teaching at a daycare center and began thinking about a career in healthcare.
"A lot of my aunts are nurses, and they'd always encourage me to go into nursing," Johna said. "I thought I'd better jump in there and get my license. I didn't know how I'd do it, but I knew I wanted to."
By December, with her divorce finalized, Johna was attending night school to prepare for the Licensed Vocational Nurse program, teaching at the daycare center, raising her daughter and "struggling with everything." While it wasn't easy, she was moving toward her goal until she lost her job at the daycare center - which cared for many children whose parents were pilots or flight attendants - due to the effects of September 11.
Still focused on a nursing career, despite not knowing how she'd pay for tuition, books and other expenses, Johna visited a Workforce Development Office two weeks before the one-year LVN program started in early 2002. That's when she heard about HCA Cares.
"It's been exciting," she said. "I started off anxious and unsure whether I could do it. I'm thankful for HCA Cares, because I already know that without it, I wouldn't have been able to do this. I thank God for HCA and this program. They're enabling me to make a better life for me and my baby."
When she completes her training, Johna would like to work in labor and delivery or the emergency department.
"Recently I had a chance to follow one of the surgical techs around in labor and delivery, and that is a very interesting job. In the ER, you see everything."
Atlanta Market
When Denise Cantrell was a child growing up in Georgia, she used to pretend she was a nurse, applying bandages to her dolls. Since as early as she can remember, this has always been her dream.
While she had to put her career plans on hold for a while, today Denise is an HCA Cares scholarship recipient training to fulfill her dream of being a nurse.
"I had planned to become a nurse after high school," she said. "But, I had my son, Brett, and that changed my plans." Instead, the proud mom from Lawrenceville, Ga. worked at a bank for several years. In early 2001, Denise, 30, accepted a job as an administrative assistant at an engineering firm. Unfortunately - or so it seemed - plans changed again when the engineering firm downsized and Denise lost her job in June. That's when she decided to pursue her goal to become a Registered Nurse.
"I looked through the paper, and nurse jobs were everywhere," Denise said. "There were pages and pages of nursing jobs. I thought, okay, this is the perfect time."
Fortunately for Denise, she found out about HCA Cares. While the Workforce Investment Act funding pays for her tuition, books and other fees, Denise's HCA Cares scholarship provides a monthly living stipend that helps pay her rent and childcare expenses while she pursues her RN training.
"If it wasn't for HCA Cares, there's no way I'd be able to continue with school," said Denise. "The school load is so demanding that there's no way I could have worked full-time."
In August, she enrolled in the Registered Nursing program at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, Ga. Scheduled to graduate this year, Denise juggles a full schedule that includes raising her 11-year-old son Brett, class, clinical training, a part-time job as a nurse technician, Brett's baseball games and, of course, studying.
"I enjoy taking care of people," said Denise. "This is something I've wanted to do since I was a little girl."
