Scholarships Aimed at Filling Health Care Worker Shortages

Within eight years, more than one million new and replacement nurses will be needed in the United States. For the first time, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified Registered Nursing as the top occupation in terms of job growth through the year 2012. The current nursing shortage is expected to intensify as baby boomers age and their requirements for health care service increases.

Recognizing the tremendous need for new nurses, the Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation has awarded $23,200 in scholarships to help support nursing students and those pursuing health careers in areas experiencing critical shortages. In addition to the Foundation's scholarship funds, another $31,800 was provided from the Sladek Scholarship Fund for Nursing. The Sladek Fund was established in 1997 to assist in educating health care workers. Some 33 individuals preparing for clinical careers have been awarded scholarships totaling $55,000 from Munson Healthcare for fiscal year 2005.

Lindsey Carlton

Lindsey Carlton, 20, would like nothing better than to work in the Emergency Room at Munson Medical Center when she graduates with a BSN in December 2006. Lindsey, the recipient of scholarships in 2004 and 2005, is halfway through her nursing program at Grand Valley State University. "The scholarships have helped out a lot," she said. "I am not receiving financial aid. My parents are helping, but it just gets pretty expensive."

Charlotte Hart, 30, who is halfway through a two-year surgical technician program, will receive an Associates Degree from Baker College. She is already working at Munson as she continues her education. "I've always been interested in the medical field," she said. "The scholarship really helped — it pretty much covered all of my expenses last year."

Among the latest recipients are:

• Students pursuing an Associates Degree in Nursing — Kelli Acha, Robin Huffman, Gloria Ingersoll, Dawn Korson, Ryan Leonard, Jacqueline Mangene, Lorena Nunc, Kirsten Peterson, Melissa Ptak, Andrea Strange, and Jennifer Wack.
  
• Those studying for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing — Sandy Amos, Holly Anderson, Lindsey Carlton, Ann Culp, Korena England, Molly Erickson, Susan Finch, Gunn Johansen, Kyella Maten, Trekka Maten, and Kristy Morrison.
  
• Studying for Master's Degrees in Nursing — Kathy Jo Bellemore and Marjorie Wilson.
  
• Nurse Practitioner program —
  Loie Boucard.
  
• Radiology Technologist program — Lynnette Lindig and Jennifer Niewiadomski.
  
• Respiratory Therapists — Andrea Huff and Wendi Tarbell.
  
• Surgical Technicians — Charlotte Hart, Gail Jones, and Mary Nemetz.
  

"Skilled and specialized nurses, technicians, and therapists are in high demand and we want to do everything we can to encourage young people to pursue a career in health care," said Ruth Bloomer, Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation Manager. "We are pleased to present these scholarships and we wish these individuals every success as they study in their chosen fields."