Three area hospitals have joined the Kirkhof School of Nursing to give $30,000 in scholarship money to nursing students, allowing them to attend summer school and get a head-start on their nursing careers.
KSON Dean Phyllis Gendler presented the checks to 37 students on June 12. Because many students work during summer months, Gendler said it would have been a financial burden for them to attend classes.
So, I talked with many chief nurse officers in our area and asked them for help, she said. We're grateful that the hospitals responded in the way they did. There's an incredible nursing shortage now, and this will help our students get out of school one semester early. It's a financial win for everyone involved.
Participating hospitals were Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Holland Community Hospital, and Mercy General Hospital in Muskegon. Scholarship amounts varied depending on financial need, but each student received at least $500. Gendler said it's likely more hospitals will participate next year.
Patti VanDort, vice president of nursing at Holland Community Hospital, said the scholarship program is in alignment with the hospital's plan to attract nurses.
Over the last couple of years, we've made an increased effort to be supportive of our local schools of nursing, she said. We provide lab and clinical space for classes, we have a partnership with local high schools for a co-op program. We're also part of a regionwide summit to generate ideas of how to get more people into nursing.
