Success Stories

Jim Bowman

Jim got into healthcare after spending 12 years in the insurance industry. He looked back on his college days and remembered how much he enjoyed the medical classes when studying criminology and forensics.

“I g

ot certified as a nurse’s aide and was hired on at a nursing home. When I came to work at Berger, I wanted to take advantage of as much (educational opportunities) as possible. I wasn’t sure what School at Work was and Nicole Esker explained that it was a refresher course for individuals at the hospital to go back to school. I realized that it was what I wanted to learn: English, Communication, and basic Math resources. I’ve been out of school for six years and I needed to get back into good study habits.”
Jim attended SAW with 12 Berger employees, all from different backgrounds, from registration to surgery. He felt that the diversity of having people from each different department added to the class; one might understand math more, or English less and the student’s helped each other.

After graduation, Jim attended the Pickaway Ross LPN Program. He plans to go straight through for his RN and apply to the OU at Berger School of Nursing Program which offers an AD program (as well as a BSN completion program).

Leroy Grant

Leroy Grant has been employed at Bon Secours Richmond since 2005. Formerly homeless, the Salvation Army inspired him to take responsibility for his life. Leroy knew an entry-level job at Bon Secours could lead to future opportunities, so he accepted a position in the environmental services department.

When the opportunity to participate in SAW arose, Leroy decided to apply.

“SAW helped me remember medical knowledge I had long forgotten from my days in the service,” Leroy says.
It also helped him build a network of advisors and mentors to help him realize his goal of becoming a nurse; as class valedictorian, Leroy became acquainted with hospital leadership who continue to offer support. Shortly after graduation, Leroy was promoted to Patient Care Associate. He then obtained certification to become a Surgical Care Tech and received his second promotion in May 2008. This advancement will significantly boost his salary and bring Leroy one step closer to achieving his goal of becoming a nurse.

Leroy has enrolled in the RN program at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. He hopes to graduate ahead of schedule.

“Because of SAW, I scored so high on my entrance exams that they’ve eliminated some of my pre-reqs,” he says. “This program has boosted my confidence. I really feel like I can do anything!”

Sandra Warren

“SAW has been very motivational for me! It gave me the push/courage I needed to finish my college education. I guess you could say it’s a refresher course. School at Work, our coach (Susan Landreaux), my mother and my husband were big inspiration for me. I was inspired to keep learning. I knew a lot about this job, but I wanted to know more.”

When the opportunity to participate in SAW arose, Leroy decided to apply.

Sandra Warren told Catalyst Learning that she would encourage everyone to take the challenge. When she found out how convenient it would be to do the School at Work program, she took the step and learned and experienced new things.

“The medical terminology and anatomy & physiology were something I knew would help me understand more about what I deal with everyday. The math was something I needed as well. I didn’t realize just how much I use math skills,” she says. Sandra was skeptical when she took the assessment and wasn’t sure she could do it. Then she remembered what she told her kids, “Once you know you’ve done your best, that’s when you can be proud.”

Not only did Sandra successfully complete SAW, she also completed a certificate course to become a Certified Coder. Within six months of graduation ,she was working towards an Associate Degree in Business Administration.

Shasta Hughs

Shasta Hughes is a single mother determined to advance. She first came to CHRISTUS St. Michael as an Aramark service employee in 2002 but by 2003 had joined the hospital’s staff as a Monitor Tech Unit Clerk. Shasta was quickly promoted to CNA and enrolled in SAW. It was then that she realized her goal of becoming an RN. The next step up her career ladder would be to enroll in the LVN program at Texarkana College.

SAW taught Shasta determination. When the challenges of balancing work, family, and the LVN program became overwhelming at a point, Shasta lost the scholarship she was counting on to finance her education. Determined to see it through, she identified other means to pay her tuition and celebrated her graduation in March 2008. Shortly after the ceremony at Texarkana College, Shasta told Catalyst Learning that “SAW helped me gain the determination to finish school. Last Friday I became an LVN. I plan to continue my education and become an RN in 2010!”

Catalyst Learning Company honored Shasta in an ad that ran in Catholic Health World last year.

Elaine Thomas

Elaine has been with EAMC for 12 years. Last year, when she saw recruitment posters for SAW, she realized that it was time to begin moving forward with her professional growth. She advanced from CNA to Secretary, but decided not to stop there. Currently, Elaine is a Training Specialist in the Education department. She feels the benefits of SAW were twofold: not only did she gain the confidence needed to advance, but has also secured a higher salary to reflect her new responsibilities.

Elaine says that she “learned better communication skills and now train new MCT’s for the hospital. My goal is to motivate and inspire them just as I was motivated and inspired.”
Leroy has enrolled in the RN program at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. He hopes to graduate ahead of schedule.

“Because of SAW, I scored so high on my entrance exams that they’ve eliminated some of my pre-reqs,” he says. “This program has boosted my confidence. I really feel like I can do anything!”

Meredith Graham

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What you do in the hospital? How long have you worked here?
I have been with Methodist for 16 years

Why did you choose to be a part of the School At Work program?
I knew that I wanted to further my career and needed English and Math refreshers to get back in school.

What do you think about learning at work with your co-workers?
The other students were from different departments, so the class provided an opportunity for me to meet new coworkers.

How has School at Work helped you in your work at the hospital?
I notice what’s going on around me and am able to communicate more effectively.

Have you made a job change or education decision since you began the SAW program? If so, tell us about that. How has SAW prepared you for your new responsibilities
In the middle of the program, I began looking at colleges. SAW gave me the confidence to approach Galen students and look into their programs; I attended a class on financial aid to learn how to fund my education.

SAW helped me get organized and stay on task. To be accepted into the program at Galen, I needed to take an entrance exam. The knowledge I gained from SAW helped me pass that test. Tell us about your career and learning plans…. What job would you like to have in 1-3 years? Do you see yourself continuing your education?
My plan is to complete the LVN program in two years. After that, I will look into getting my bachelor’s degree. I see myself as an RN in five years.

Has participating in the SAW program affected the way you feel about your employer? If yes, please describe.
Methodist supports me and my advancement. There is a great need for RNs, and they are helping us fill those jobs.

What would you say to someone who is considering taking the class for the first time?
The DVDs and course work really help you when you do go back to school.

“SAW gave me the confidence I needed to begin to look into furthering my career. ”

Melissa Roller

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What you do in the hospital? How long have you worked here?
I’ve been with Norton for seven years. I started as a lab tech, went to surgery, moved to Louisville Oncology as a medical assistant, then to registrar, and now to my current job.

Why did you choose to be a part of the School At Work program?
I wanted to learn more about math and English to prepare for college.

What do you think about learning at work with your co-workers?
We’re all comfortable with one another.

How has School at Work helped you in your work at the hospital?
It’s changed the way I speak. I have more confidence, and my grammar and emails have improved. My manager has commented that she’s noticed the change. Have you made a job change or education decision since you began the SAW program? If so, tell us about that. How has SAW prepared you for your new responsibilities
I had a job-advancement two weeks ago. SAW was the motivation. The medical terminology has been so helpful; I read a lot of it now. There’s actually a bunch of stuff I need to know for this new job, and SAW helped me learn how to study.

Tell us about your career and learning plans…. What job would you like to have in 1-3 years? Do you see yourself continuing your education?
I want to advance to the highest level of secretary. I plan to enroll in school to get my Associate’s for this.

Has participating in the SAW program affected the way you feel about your employer? If yes, please describe.
I love them! I should add that I also bought a house through Norton. I have been with them for so long, and they always help me advance.

What would you say to someone who is considering taking the class for the first time?
I forgot everything that I learned in high school. SAW helps you learn how to learn again.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done at Norton. SAW is fun. It’s hard work too, but you want to keep going. ”

Beverly harris

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What you do in the hospital? How long have you worked here?
I’ve been employed at Shands for 20 years. I began as a pharmacy tech and transferred to HR in 2003. I am 57 years old.

Why did you choose to be a part of the School At Work program?
To sharpen my customer service, computer, math, and communications skills. I wasn’t even thinking about a career in coding until SAW. I met with the head of that department and have begun shadowing. SAW prepares your to grow from within the hospital by preparing you for any position you’d like to apply to.

What do you think about learning at work with your co-workers?
I enjoyed interacting with my co-workers.

How has School at Work helped you in your work at the hospital?
SAW helped me with my communication skills, typing, attitude, and interpersonal skills. Have you made a job change or education decision since you began the SAW program? If so, tell us about that. How has SAW prepared you for your new responsibilities
I shadow in the coding department and am enrolled in college. SAW helped a lot of people who didn’t know what to do next—it helped us realize our full potential.

Tell us about your career and learning plans…. What job would you like to have in 1-3 years? Do you see yourself continuing your education?
I followed the CLP; I even kept a journal. It was very helpful.

Has participating in the SAW program affected the way you feel about your employer? If yes, please describe.
I have nothing but positive things to say about Shands. On my last evaluation, I let my director know how much I appreciate his support.

What would you say to someone who is considering taking the class for the first time?
I am 57 years old and found that it was not too late to continue my education. SAW prepares you. The pace is comfortable and the support is appreciated.

“I wasn’t even thinking about a career in coding until SAW…the program prepares you to grow from within the hospital and realize your full potential.”

Brenda Compton

A stay-at-home-mom while her children were young, Brenda initially worked the third shift in environmental services to help support the family’s growing college tuition fund. During this time, Brenda worked alongside those that truly exemplified her personal goal—registered nurses. When the School at Work program was introduced, Brenda recognized her need to “brush up” on her studying skills and move towards her personal professional goal of becoming a registered nurse. Brenda shared with that her son, who was graduating from college just two weeks before she would be graduating from SAW. He turned to her and stated, “It’s your turn, Mom.” She is now a nurse assistant on a post-surgical nursing unit, thrilled with her job, enrolled in a local college for her nursing prerequisites and radiant that she is helping others. Her infectious smile is now an encouragement to others as she is featured on the School at Work recruitment poster for the health system.

Victoria Hill

Victoria Hill is employed in Information Services at St. Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta. Though she dreamed of one day writing software programs, she had been out of school for so long that she lacked the confidence to pursue it.

“I was afraid I would not be able to manage the discipline to do the studying required, but SAW showed me that I could complete a course, get a degree, and work fulltime. Now I plan to combine my years of information technology experience with nursing and create a nursing informatics position where I can write software programs for nurses.”

April Anderson

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What you do in the hospital? How long have you worked here?
I was hired by Tulane in December of 2007.

What do you think about learning at work with your co-workers?
Being in class together provided a lot of encouragement, plus I enjoyed meeting people from other departments.

How has School at Work helped you in your work at the hospital?
School at Work helped me communicate more effectively with patients and doctors. The Med Term was especially helpful because I set up procedures and now have a clear understanding of the functions. Have you made a job change or education decision since you began the SAW program? If so, tell us about that. How has SAW prepared you for your new responsibilities
The CLP exercises were interesting, and I am now enrolled in the HIM program at Delgado Community College.

How has SAW impacted your personal life?
I have a daughter in school, and we now do our homework together. I ask her if she’s proud of mom, and she tells me “yes!”.

Terry Belcher

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What you do in the hospital? How long have you worked here?
I have been at Tulane since 1983! I haven’t been in school for 20 years and always wanted to return, but didn’t think I could.

How has School at Work helped you in your work at the hospital?
The communications modules were helpful, especially the email portion. Now I have a better handle on how to communicate with nurses in the building.

Have you made a job change or education decision since you began the SAW program? If so, tell us about that. How has SAW prepared you for your new responsibilities
Yes, the CLP gave me hands-on experience with career planning, and I discovered that I like coding; I’ve enrolled in that program at Delgado Community College. What kind of feedback have you received from your supervisor about your participation in SAW?
My supervisor is excited about the fact that I’ve enrolled in school. I’m also getting a lot of support from my children; we work on our math together!

Has participating in the SAW program affected the way you feel about your employer? If yes, please describe.
Tulane supports me and my advancement. There is a great need for RNs, and they are helping us fill those jobs.

What would you say to someone who is considering taking the class for the first time?
The DVDs and course work really help you when you do go back to school.

Eliza Guzman

“This is a huge hospital, and though I realized it was a teaching center, I never considered that I could do something to educate staff.”

When Elsa Guzman entered the SAW program in 2007, it opened her eyes to a joy of teaching that she had never realized. Upon graduation, she volunteered to serve as an assistant coach to the upcoming class as a means to give back and provide opportunities to others. She now spends each Wednesday evening with the students, coaching them on coursework and professional development.

Elsa credits SAW with helping her overcome her shyness, not only with her-workers, but with her patients as well.

“I used to be so shy! Now I look everyone in the eye and greet all that I meet. I feel that I’m behaving more professionally and making myself more valuable to the system.”

Eva Waugh

In addition to her full-time position at University Health System, Eve has two children, one with special needs. Her commitment to her children has made it difficult for her to focus on her own education, until SAW. Participating in the program reignited Eve’s passion for learning, and she is now enrolled at San Antonio College.

Her daughter was a high school senior when Eve began SAW. In the past, she hadn’t taken school seriously, but she was so inspired by seeing her mother study that she hit the books, graduated with honors, and received a scholarship to fund her enrollment in Shriner University.

“I love University Health System and the opportunities they have provided! I am so fulfilled by working for this organization that provides the chance for advancement,” Eve says.

Theresa Rayburn

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What you do in the hospital? How long have you worked here?
I’ve been with Williamson Medical Center since 1992! Over 12 of those years were spent working as an EKG Tech.

Why did you choose to be a part of the School At Work program?
Age, it had been so long since I’d been in school – it was a nice opportunity to ease back into going back to college.

What do you think about learning at work with your co-workers?
There’s a more relaxed atmosphere; we encouraged one another.

How has School at Work helped you in your work at the hospital?
Math has helped me understand medical and medicine calculations, the terminology has helped. Tell us about your career and learning plans…. What job would you like to have in 1-3 years? Do you see yourself continuing your education?
Since SAW, I have graduated from Tennessee Technology Center with an LPN certificate. Eventually I want to be an RN, going into one of three possible specializations: oncology, bone and joint, or surgery.

Has participating in the SAW program affected the way you feel about your employer? If yes, please describe.
I recommend my workplace to others because I am so to Williamson Medical Center.
Thanks to diirector Jill Perkey for the opportunity and for working with the schedule to allow her to take SAW and the LPN program.

Catalyst Learning Success Stories