Indianapolis, IN – Twelve employees of American Senior Communities (ASC) were honored Wednesday, July 14th with a graduation ceremony and luncheon at Bridgewater Country Club in Carmel. All of these American Senior Communities team members have completed nursing programs made available to them through a unique educational opportunity presented by the Health & Hospital Corporation (HHC) and ASC through their long-term care partnership.
ASC and HHC together are the largest senior care provider in Indiana. Both organizations have a solid reputation of promoting professional growth of their employees and in the long-term care (LTC) nursing profession, this has resulted in the creation of an innovative pathway for employees to become nurses.
Within this unique nursing scholarship program, Opportunities to Nursing Excellence (O2NE), ASC employees can increase their level of professional education. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) can earn diplomas to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and LPNs can earn diplomas to become Registered Nurses (RNs). Over half of the program’s current participants are on track to become RNs. The program aids front-line caregiver staff to achieve new levels of credentialing and ability, ultimately improving the entire senior healthcare system. Several O2NE graduates are currently working in clinical management positions, evidence for the pathway created by this scholarship program to advance career potential for these students.
To date, this scholarship program has fueled opportunities for over 200 graduates, including Directors of Nursing, Regional Clinical Directors, and many additional versatile roles within the healthcare community.
ASC and HHC have made it possible for staff members to continue their formal training and credentialing while maintaining their current jobs. Selected participants can attend nursing school with tuition and books fully paid for by the community where they work. Participants are also given a reduced work schedule, allowing them additional time for classes and study without being penalized financially.
Pictured (L to R): Nikita Blount, LPN, Beech Grove Meadows; Brittany Taylor, RN, Bethany Village; Amber Walker, RN, Canterbury Nursing & Rehabilitation Center; Teresa Miller, RN, Swiss Villa Nursing & Rehabilitation; Ashley Linn, RN, Bethlehem Woods; Megan Stearly, LPN, Creekside Village; Ashley Wright, LPN, Todd-Dickey Nursing & Rehabilitation; Anthony Peters, RN, Heritage Park; Lakin Boyd, RN, Seymour Crossing; Christina Turner, RN, Heritage Park. Not pictured: Amy Feltner, RN Park Terrace Village; Caitlynn Phillips, RN, Cypress Grove Rehabilitation Center.
Congratulations to this year’s O2NE graduates!
