Chesapeake General invests in students to be future nurses

The Virginian-Pilot

CHESAPEAKE

Chesapeake General Hospital will spend almost $18,000 annually to cover tuition and books for public school students who commit to work as licensed practical nurses at the hospital after graduation.

Chesapeake students in the second year of the LPN program can now apply for a $3,278 scholarship and sign on to work for the hospital after graduation.

"We're really optimistic it's going to work well," said Elaine Griffiths, the hospital's vice president of patient care services. "They've sent us great employees" in the past.

"They provide their students with excellent preparation, so we think we'll get exemplary nurses."

The agreement, crafted after school officials brought a proposal to the hospital, went into effect this fall. Chesapeake General will donate $17,906 to the division each year to cover the cost of tuition and books for seven second-year students in the program at the Chesapeake Center for Science and Technology.

Those who accept the money agree to work for the hospital after graduation and passing the LPN exam. After a year of employment, the hospital will help the LPNs become registered nurses.

Adults and recent high school graduates in the program are eligible. School officials are looking for more funding, possibly grants, to help additional students.

Students who have maintained a 3.0 grade point average can be nominated for the scholarship by the school, and the hospital will select the winners.

The scholarship will open the program up to a greater number of students and provide them an incentive to stay in the city, said Tom Cupitt, Chesapeake Public Schools spokesman.

Bonnie Holland, a patient- care technician at Chesapeake General Hospital, is a second- year student.

The scholarship is a big deal, Holland said. She would have gone back to school sooner had the offer been in place several years ago. She was able to enroll because the hospital offered to pay for her continuing education.

Adult students pay $2,478 each year. High school seniors are not charged that amount until the second year. The program requires two years of study, after which students can take their LPN exam. Students who finish the program also have the option of entering a nursing program or a bachelor's degree program at a college. Students participate in clinical rotations and classroom studies and work at health facilities.

This year 42 students are enrolled - 25 students in the first year and 17 in the second year.

The hospital will review the agreement annually and could expand it in the future, Griffiths said.

"We want people to start their careers here with us and stay with us... That's probably the most important measurement," she said. " That you come on board with us and that you stay. We think this is money well spent."

Amy Couteé, (757) 222-5216, amy.coutee@pilotonline.com