Geisinger expands Nursing Scholars Program

DANVILLE, Pa. – Geisinger is helping more employees follow their calling to care for others by adding three new career pathways to Geisinger’s Nursing Scholars Program —  a career development program that provides financial, educational, and professional support to employees pursuing a career in nursing or nursing support. Since its launch in 2021, the program has helped nearly 230 employees on their journey to becoming a nurse.

“We’re focused on a team-based care approach, which gives our nurses the support they need to focus on delivering the highest-quality patient care,” said Janet Tomcavage, executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Geisinger. “By expanding the Nursing Scholars Program offerings, we’re creating more opportunities to build a team where everyone can practice at the top of their skillset while also helping employees further their careers. Community members across our footprint can also join the Geisinger workforce and take advantage of this wonderful career advancement opportunity.”

Open to employees who have been working at Geisinger for at least six months and who are not already a registered nurse or provider, the Nursing Scholars Program covers part of the cost of pursuing any of the following careers:

·       Registered nurse
·       Licensed practical nurse 
·       Surgical technologist
·       Certified medical assistant 

Depending on the career pathway chosen, the program awards financial support from $7,000 to $40,000 with a work commitment between two and five years following graduation.

While supporting employee career and professional goals, the program will also mitigate a shortage of nurses and the larger nursing support team across Geisinger. According to the American Hospital Association, the United States will need to hire at least 200,000 nurses per year to meet increased healthcare demands and to replace retiring nurses. 

The Geisinger program serves as an entry point into the health care profession for high school students or anyone considering a career in nursing or nursing support. Applications to the program are accepted throughout the year.

“With going to nursing school, my hours changed and so did my income,” said Patty Parker, a program graduate who made the leap from associate executive assistant to registered nurse at Geisinger Medical Center. “I don’t think I could have pursued my nursing degree without this resource. If you have the courage to take the leap, then do it. I have plenty more years to work — why not do something I felt like I was meant to do?”

To set the nursing scholars up for success, the program offers guidance in choosing a school and type of degree. Geisinger nurses and leaders also offer mentorship support. 

"Studying while working is a huge undertaking, and employees will need more than just financial support. We want to support our employees’ well-being and provide any help they might need when preparing to go back to school — that’s what Geisinger’s Nursing Scholars Program is designed to do,” said Rebecca Stoudt, associate dean of nursing student education at Geisinger. 

Community members who are not Geisinger employees can apply for available positions at Geisinger and qualify for the program after only six months of employment. Visit geisinger.org/nursingscholars for details on Geisinger’s Nursing Scholars Program. 

About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 126 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,700 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $15 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.