Lincoln South Rotary Club presented a $5,000 scholarship to Skylie Baker who will be attending Bryan College of Health Sciences.
Lincoln South Rotary has a long tradition of providing scholarships to students continuing their education beyond high school. Over the past two years, Rotary Club members and the Scholarship Committee have discussed ways that we could make our program more effective by providing larger scholarships to students who are 1) academically qualified; 2) engaged in fields of study needed to support our community; and 3) have a demonstrated financial need.
The Lincoln South Rotary Club Board approved a plan drafted by the Scholarship Committee to meet these goals. Under that plan, the 2023 Lincoln South Rotary Scholarship program focused on students attending Bryan Health College. Bryan Health College was selected for the following reasons: 1) the college administration has verified that it had the ability to review applicants for financial need and submit qualified candidates to the club; and 2) a scholarship to a Bryan Health College student allows Lincoln South Rotary to support a specific field in our community where there is a shortage - health care workers.
The Scholarship Committee was assisted in this effort by Valerie Hunt, Director of Philanthropy and Major Gift Officer at the Bryan Foundation. In March, Bryan Health College forwarded to the Scholarship Committee the names of three students who met the criteria established by the 2023 plan.Members of the committee - Nikki Isemann, Scott Delisi, Audrey Richert and Mary Gilbride met with each of the nominees during interviews held in April at the college. The committee was deeply impressed with each of the nominees---and it was obvious that each possessed a stellar work ethic and deep love for their chosen profession. After consideration, the committee selected Skylie Baker as the recipient of the 2023 award.
Today, Lincoln South Rotary heard from Valerie Hunt, about the education offered by Bryan Health College and Skylie Baker, our honoree, a nursing student at Bryan Health College.
Valerie shared details about the programs at the Bryan Health College. One of the things that makes the College special is the deep-rooted relationship that the college has with the medical centers and clinics throughout the state. Because of the hands-on training available, the students are among to most highly-trained workers in the state.
The College offers a number of degrees in multiple focus areas. They even have programs that allow high school students to take classes and get College credits. Varlerie shared that one student at Northwest High School is already CNA certified and a job in the field.
Some statistics from the website:
- - 92% pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) to determine if it's safe to begin practice as an entry-level nurse
- - 100% students have been accepted into grad school
- - 100% have been able to find employment
- - no more than 20 students per science lab
- - no less than 1,237 clinical hours
- - #1 nursing program in Nebraska
They have simulators providing real-life experiences. Mannequins have the ability to cry, talk and express pain. They can ask questions - the students may forget that they are working with simulators. The benefits to the students:
- - Provide care in a practice scenario
- - Assume various roles
- - Build teamwork and collaboration skills
- - Get valuable feedback from experienced professionals
- - sessions are taped allowing the students an opportunity to review their actions - to help them improve
Then we met Skylie.
She grew up in Missouri in an abusive environment. She lost her mother at the age of 7 due to violence. Even living with others she did not have a nurturing environment. She was determined to break the pattern of her upbringing. She pushed herself through high school and had a goal of going into nursing. She knew she would need scholarships so worked hard to get good grades - not quiet 4.0 but high enough to get some funding.
She chose Bryan because of the clinical opportunities. She was very excited after her first clinical experience. She said each one made her even more excited about her decision to go into nursing. What got harder was which area she might like to focus on - with each clinic she got excited about that field.
She said the clinical experiences are truly positive - the more experienced members are not harsh - they give positive criticism and suggestions. Skylie intends to practice in Nebraska.
