Published: February 11, 2008 06:04 pm            

Gordon Hospital Foundation nurtures nursing careers with scholarships

Submitted by Gordon Hospital — CALHOUN — As many working mothers do, JoAnn Silvers, RN, put her education on hold to raise a family, and went back to school when her three children were grown. Today, she’s pursuing her bachelor’s degree online from Southern University thanks to receiving the Gordon Hospital Foundation Scholarship.

“In the healthcare field, it is very important to continue your education because there is always new research, new technology, and new areas to specialize in,” said Silvers. “It was quite a feat to balance family, my job and school at one time.”

Silvers’ career began as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), and then she received her associate degree and became an RN. In 2004, Silvers earned a Cancer Nurse Navigator certification; a role she currently practices at Gordon Hospital’s Cancer Resource Center. “Receiving the scholarship helped to make my plans to continue my education a reality,” said Silvers.

Another scholarship recipient, Karen Steely, RN, agrees with Silvers. Steely began her career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) on the Medical-Surgical floor and today she’s the director of the department.

“When I chose to obtain my RN degree, the support I received from Gordon Hospital was amazing,” Steely said. “I received a scholarship for two consecutive years. The financial assistance allowed me to explore areas in healthcare and focus on the subjects I enjoy most.”

Since the Gordon Hospital Foundation Nursing Scholarship began in the 1990s, more than 100 recipients have received the $1,000 to $2,000 scholarship.

“Our goal in developing the scholarship was to maintain adequate nursing levels and continue delivering the highest level of patient care,” said Judy Jackson, director of Development Services at Gordon Hospital. “Today, Gordon Hospital still has wonderfully dedicated nurses - many of whom have stayed at the hospital years beyond their scholarship contract.”

Gordon Hospital Foundation Nursing Scholarships are now being offered to nursing and allied health students. Any students interested in applying for the Gordon Hospital Foundation Nursing Scholarship must be accepted or enrolled in a nursing/allied health school, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and agree to work for Gordon Hospital in a nursing or allied health capacity after passing state boards, per the scholarship agreement. Scholarships are also awarded to two high school students who plan to pursue a nursing degree.

Students must submit an application which will be reviewed by the scholarship committee to determine the eligibility of each applicant. Finalists will be contacted and a personal interview will be scheduled.

Applications are available at Gordon Hospital’s Human Resources Building located next to the hospital and also online. To download the application, visit www.gordonhospital.com and click on “About Us.” Follow the “Foundation” link to the “Scholarship Program.” Once completed, mail it to:

Gordon Hospital Foundation

P.O. Box 304

Calhoun, GA 30703

The application deadline is Monday, April 7 at 5 p.m. Late entries will not be accepted.

        

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