13 columbushosp.org “The staff is amazing at CCH,” said Criqui. “Every day I go in, I feel like I know so much more when I leave.” According to the Nebraska Center for Nursing, the state will experience a shortage of approximately 5,400 nurses within the next three years. Columbus Community Hospital is committed to sharing the positive aspects of nursing and supporting those with a passion for health care through its Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program. “We are looking to the future by investing in people who are interested in becoming nurses and returning to the hospital to practice,” said Dorothy Bybee, vice president of patient care services at the hospital. “The program supports each person through their journey with scholarships, financial support and mentoring, and will provide nurses for our community.” It has become a win-win for the hospital and participants like Labenz and Criqui. They found paths to rewarding careers, and the hospital located quality nurses for the future. Both participants have shared they would like to continue working for the hospital after the program. “I’m going to stay with CCH for a while after school,” said Criqui. “I love it.” “It ’s neat knowing other people in the program will be here for a long time,” said Labenz. “We’re the future of the hospital.” Rachel Criqui (left) receives guidance fromHannah Lutjelusche, RN, BSN, in a simulation with Danielle Bayer, RN, at Columbus Community Hospital.
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