Bringing health care news to your home 14 Helping future nurses thrive Nurse Apprenticeship Program brings many benefits, including supportive mentorship and firsthand experience At Columbus Community Hospital, we are committed to sharing the positive aspects of nursing and supporting those who are passionate about health care. Through the Nurse Apprenticeship Program, CCH is able to do just that. Finding his passion Konner Kudron started with the hospital’s Nurse Apprenticeship Program when it launched in 2022. Interested in a fast-paced environment, Kudron knew he wanted to pursue a nursing career in the operating room (OR), emergency department or intensive care unit. The program directors connected Kudron with a mentor and found an opening for him in the OR, where he continued to train for eight months prior to his graduation in May 2023. Nearly one year later, Kudron reflects on his experience as an apprentice. “Originally, I didn’t think I would be able to get into the OR because it’s a more specialized area and harder to get into,” Kudron said. “With the help of the Nurse Apprenticeship Program, I was able to slowly orient myself to becoming a full-time OR nurse following graduation.” Gaining real-world experience Veyra Escudero is currently enrolled in the program and working in the hospital’s acute care unit. She said she loves being part of the program because it offers big-city nursing opportunities with a small-town community feel. “Now that I’m in nursing school, it’s been extremely helpful to talk with nurses who have been through it,” she said. “There are always teaching moments, and the nurses are more than willing to explain things to me because they know that I will be doing them someday.” It’s safe to say the program has become a win-win for the hospital and participants like Kudron and Escudero. They found paths to rewarding careers, and the hospital located quality nurses for the future. Preparing for the future During the program, the nurse apprentices select an interest area and receive a coach, who mentors them through their journey of becoming a nurse. Apprentices must work at least 24 hours per month while in the program. They receive work experience and scholarship assistance from the hospital, which covers up to 75% of school tuition, books and fees. Program apprentices can qualify for loan forgiveness after graduating and passing board exams. The employment commitment to CCH directly correlates to the amount of financial support the apprentice receives. Apply today! If you’re interested in CCH’s Nurse Apprenticeship Program, you can apply online at columbushosp.org. Search for “Nurse Apprenticeship Program.”You can also call Alecia Neidig at 402-562-3366 or Dona Kudron at 402-562-4624 for more information. Konner Kudron, left, works as a full-time nurse in Columbus Community Hospital’s operating room. Veyra Escudero, right, is currently a nurse apprentice in the hospital’s acute care unit.
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