The CHSGa Practical Nursing Scholarship is an opportunity for Savannah Technical College students in the Licensed Practical Nursing program thanks to a fund created by CHSGa. CHSGa, a non-profit healthcare system, gave STC’s Foundation $6,000 to provide scholarships to qualified students enrolled in the LPN program.

“By providing the CHSGa Practical Nursing Scholarship we are assisting students who are committed to the healthcare profession and future workforce,” said Ronnie Rollins, president and CEO of CHSGa.

CHSGA established their Practical Nursing Scholarship in support of students in the diploma program in pursuit of entry-level careers. The scholarship is open to LPN students, upon formal admission, during their first term of study upon satisfactory completion of all requirements. LPN students are required to submit a 200-word essay that speaks to student character and their commitment to nursing. Funds aid students in the cost for tuition, books, supplies and any other related educational expenses.

One of the 12 STC students to receive this scholarship is Bryce Ewing. “I have always felt drawn to helping people in any way possible,” said Ewing. “We sometimes put ourselves on the back burner when it comes to our health, and possibly in other areas of our lives, however, as a nurse I am happily going to remind them to put themselves first and foremost.” Giving back to her community makes Ewing’s career choice more rewarding. “I know this is one of the most challenging professions,” she said, “However, I am absolutely looking forward to embracing all challenges and endeavors.”

Kevin O’Brien, another scholarship recipient, joined the military as a medic, but knew nursing was his calling. “The more I tended to patients, fulfilling their medical needs, the more I grew to love healthcare,” said O’Brien. “There is no greater feeling than providing a patient knowledge and guidance towards recovery. Nursing is much more than just supplying medication, drawing blood and all of the other skills that are performed. Nursing is caring, listening, guiding, healing and even a simple smile will give a patient the hope and drive they need to continue the healing process.”

Licensed practical nurses, under the direction of physicians and registered nurses, care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled. Program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse. Employment of LPNs is projected to grow much faster than average. Overall job prospects are expected to be very good, but job outlook varies by industry. The best job opportunities will occur in nursing care facilities and home healthcare services. Savannah Technical College offers the competitive-admission LPN program at the Savannah and Liberty campuses. For more information about Practical Nursing, contact STC Health Sciences Advisor Cindy Cole at 912.443.5721 or [email protected].