Newsworthy

Nurses are the backbone of our organization. That’s why Stormont Vail Health is committed to providing an exceptional environment to support nursing professionals at every stage in their careers. In addition to jobs for registered nurses, our commitment extends to others who provide direct patient care on the nursing spectrum, including patient care technicians, LPNs, and CNAs.

Keep reading to learn more about the ways we can support your journey.

1. Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship Program

The Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship Program, available from the Kansas Board of Regents, nurtures the state’s nursing workforce by encouraging enrollment in LPN or RN nursing programs. Thanks to financial support from the Stormont Vail Foundation, Stormont Vail offers partial scholarship funding – and eventually, gainful employment.

“When I first learned about the Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship, I thought it was too good to be true,” said Casey Barker, an acute care RN with the 6 North Oncology team who recently graduated from Baker University School of Nursing after applying for the Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship program. “Knowing I had this scholarship each semester gave me incredible peace of mind.”

If you’re a current Stormont Vail team member, you can apply for a job within your department or pursue internal promotion upon graduation. You can also apply for open nursing positions in other departments – your new certification gives you many new opportunities to explore!

In addition to the Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship, Stormont Vail offers additional financial support through Baker University, Washburn University, and Washburn Institute of Technology, such as:

• Baker University scholarships and financial aid
• Washburn University and Washburn Tech Scholarship Program
• Washburn Tech Scholarship Program LPN Program with Summer MA/PCT Work Opportunity

To learn more about the Kansas Nursing Scholarship, including qualification criteria and application deadlines, email Aleasha Keller, HR Benefits and Wellness Specialist, at [email protected].

2. Education Reimbursement

Stormont Vail offers tuition reimbursement programs for part- and full-time team members. We also work with a federal loan-forgiveness program that helps minimize the financial burden as non-profit employees continue their education.

Educational reimbursement is available for team members to enhance their skill set in their present job or prepare for future career advancement at Stormont Vail. The course must be directly related to the team member’s current or potential future job at Stormont Vail or meet a requirement for a job-related degree to qualify for reimbursement.

For more information about application deadlines, qualifying criteria, and financial support, email Aleasha Keller, HR Benefits and Wellness Specialist, at [email protected] or call (785) 354-26151.

Education Reimbursement Types & Limits

Full-Time Team Members

Team members must agree to a three-month full-time work commitment for every $500 reimbursed.

Undergraduate Classes, Allied Health Credentials, or Vocational School Programs

• Tuition is reimbursed at 75% up to $5,000/fiscal year.
• Reimbursement is issued after completing a course with a “C” grade or better.

Graduate Classes

• Tuition is reimbursed at 75% up to $5,000/fiscal year.
• Reimbursement will be issued after completion of a course with a “B” grade or better.

Part-Time Team Members

• Team members must agree to a three-month part-time work commitment for every $250 reimbursed.

Undergraduate Classes, Allied Health Credentials, or Vocational School Programs

• Tuition is reimbursed at 75% up to $3,000/fiscal year.
• Reimbursement will be issued after completion of a course with a “C” grade or better.

Graduate Classes

• Tuition is reimbursed at 75% up to $3,000/fiscal year.
• Reimbursement will be issued after completion of a course with a “B” grade or better.

Certification/Recertification

Initial Certification

Stormont Vail offers 100% reimbursement for initial and recertification testing exam fees required for licensure or certification for a job-related credential.

• Up to $500/year for full-time team members
• Up to $250/year for part-time team members

3. Nurse Residency Program

The Stormont Vail Nurse Residency Program supports newly hired nurse managers transitioning from the classroom to the workplace. Nurses will become well positioned and ready to lead confidently and competently through:

• Skills reviews
• Shadow experience
• Code Blue Academy
• Monthly session topics
• And much, much more

4. Student Nurse Technician & Intern Positions

Stormont Vail’s RN Student Nurse Internship Program offers three positions to give team members experience in the workforce while applying their knowledge in the real world.

In addition, we partner with the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers to provide the Nursing Career Pathway. This program allows local high school students to explore careers in healthcare while obtaining Certified Nurse Assistant licensure.

Apply online at stormontvail.org/careers or call the Stormont Vail Talent Acquisition team at (785) 354-5636 with questions.

Student Nurse Technician 1

This position is available to students already enrolled in their first semester of an accredited nursing program. Students will learn how to work as part of the care delivery team and monitor patient safety in a safe environment under the direction of an RN.

Student Nurse Technician 2

This position is available to CNAs who have completed their first semester in an accredited nursing program or enrolled in their first semester of an accredited nursing program. This position aims to teach CNAs skills in preparation for the next steps in nursing school, including:

• The importance of CNAs as part of the patient care team
• Clerical skills to assist in maintaining efficient workflow
• How to ensure safe, quality care with a patient-centered approach focusing on continuity of patient care and satisfaction

Student Nurse Intern

Nurse interns work exclusively with their preceptors to bridge the gap from learner to performer. By the end of this program, nurse interns will gain crucial support, knowledge, skills, and relationships before beginning their RN career at Stormont Vail.

This position is available to current nursing students who have accepted an offer for an RN position at Stormont Vail after graduation. If they completed the previous semester, internships are available up to four weeks before the nurse’s final semester.

5. Ongoing Training & Professional Development

Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned nursing veteran, Stormont Vail provides many continuing training and professional development opportunities, including:

• Continuing education symposia, workshops, Grand Rounds, and other opportunities
• Nursing research opportunities
• Grants to attend professional and educational conferences and seminars
• Support to pursue professional certification
• Professional contribution ladders for all levels of nurses

These initiatives aim to help team members learn new skills and develop the leadership training needed to advance in the organization. Team members often receive 100% of their continuing education credits through this program at no cost.

Nursing Excellence Starts with the Right Support

As a four-time consecutive Magnet hospital, Stormont Vail has repeatedly demonstrated our commitment to healthcare excellence by supporting nurses at every stage of their careers with scholarship and internship opportunities, professional development, and more.

If you have questions or want more information about any of the supports above, contact the Human Resources team at (785) 354-6153 or email [email protected].

If you’re ready to enjoy a career where you feel connected, needed, and appreciated, view our open positions at Stormont Vail Health Careers.