Nursing: A Career of Continuous Learning
Tuscola Co. – In October 2021, Alyssa came to GST Michigan Works! Tuscola Service Center with five semesters remaining in the Nursing program through Saginaw Valley State University. She worked at Wellspring Lutheran Services as a CNA and worked 12-24 hours a week. As nursing school occupied most of her time, she could not work enough hours to cover the expenses of obtaining her degree. As a first-generation college student, having the opportunity to get a degree was important to Alyssa.
Approval for funding granted her assistance with tuition for her 2022 Winter, Spring, and Fall semesters, the 2023 Winter semester, and paying for her NCLEX, Professional Licensing, and background check.
Upon one of the check-ins with her Career Coach, she excitedly reported, “Last Friday I was at the MyMichigan hospital for a vaccine clinic where I had the opportunity to administer 20+ flu shots and a few Covid boosters. I really enjoyed doing that. On Halloween, I was at the Covenant Wound Clinic, and I also saw some pretty interesting things there. I have been doing my home healthcare clinical through Residential Home Health, and I have had some great nurses teaching me a lot. I have an exam in my NURS 371 class next Wednesday, and I have been keeping busy with all the home health assignments (there is a lot). I also applied for a nurse intern position at Covenant, and I have an interview via Zoom in a few weeks, so I’m really hoping I get the job! Thanks for checking in with me!”
Alyssa also shared, “I had an interview recently for a progressive cardiovascular unit at Covenant HealthCare, the unit in which I’m currently a nurse intern. This semester has flown by, and I can’t believe graduation is right around the corner!”
After completing clinical rotations and hands-on experience at Huron Woods, Health Source, Residential Home Health, St. Mary’s, and Covenant Hospital, and completing all the required Nursing program classes, Alyssa obtained her BSN degree with honors on December 16, 2023.
On December 19th, Alyssa was offered and accepted a 3rd shift graduate nurse position at Covenant HealthCare on the progressive cardiovascular unit. After passing the NCLEX in January, Alyssa became a full-time Registered Nurse!
“I graduated nursing school from Saginaw Valley State University in December 2023. Upon graduation, I went straight to work as a graduate nurse until I completed my state exam (NCLEX). I am now a Registered Nurse employed in a progressive cardiovascular unit and look forward to a career of continuous learning!”