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Hire Aspirations: Signing ceremony celebrates new group of nursing students committing to Camden Clark Medical Center

By Brett Dunlap 3 min read

PARKERSBURG -- The next group of West Virginia University at Parkersburg nursing students have made a commitment to WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center as they work to become nurses.

A signing ceremony was held at the hospital Monday for the second group of students accepted into the WVU Medicine Aspiring Nurse Program. The program gives financial assistance to the students in exchange for an employment commitment at the hospital after they graduate, working in the nursing field.

"I am so happy you all want to join this noble profession," said Carol Grove, Camden Clark Chief Nursing Officer. "We are glad we have the opportunity to support you.

"Nursing school is hard and students need support."

WVU-P was selected as one of the first two community colleges to participate in the WVU Medicine Aspiring Nurse Program, when the initiative was launched in August, with students partnered with Camden Clark. The students selected will complete clinical rotations at WVU Medicine Camden Clark to ensure they receive high quality, hands-on clinical immersion experiences to assist them as they transition to professional nursing practice.

The program was put together to support the students by providing up to $25,000 over the course of their schooling to help with things such as child care, tuition assistance and more.

The group of students signing on to the program Monday were Melissa Ballengee, Abigail Broadwater, Allison Cox, Grace Houser, Rebecca Kalb, Ian Martin, Joseph Overbaugh, Rachel Phares and Karissa Reynolds.

Some of the participants in the program already work at the medical center in other roles.

Reynolds, who worked as a secretary in the Behavior Health Unit, said she fell in love with the people she worked with everyday.

"They supported me and helped me find my calling," she said. "Working with patients and helping people get better is what I want to do.

"They encouraged me to apply for this program and here I am. I am super thankful."

She works full-time and supports her family so this program will help tremendously in helping with financial needs.

"It is an amazing opportunity and I am thankful I was chosen for it," Reynolds said.

WVU-P Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences Kathy Frum said this is a tremendous opportunity for these students.

"This is a wonderful collaboration we have with Camden Clark," she said. "They get fantastic experiences.

"With the financial help, the students can focus more on their academics. Some of them can be one flat tire from having to drop the program. They have all this extra support now to finish the program and help put a dent in the nursing shortage."

WVU Medicine Camden Clark CEO Steve Altmiller told the students they have a lot of people who want them to be successful, from their families to the school's faculty, hospital officials and the community as a whole.

"Beyond the finance, there is the training," he said.

Altmiller said there will come a time for each student when they will realize how tough this work will be and question if they will be able to do it. There are resources and support at the college and the hospital to help them through as well as the support of the students' families.

"Don't give up," he said. "We want you to be successful.

"I look forward to welcoming each of you to the new employee orientation as a successful graduate of the nursing program ... and getting on with what we are all here for, taking care of patients."

Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com

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