OhioHealth Grant Medical Center Nursing Directors Pursue DNP Degrees
At OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, four nursing directors are proving that leadership and learning go hand in hand. While managing their full-time roles, Erin Dobda, MHA, BSN, RN, NE-BC; Dawnyel Donaldson, MHA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC; Erika Beck, MHA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC and Chelsea Zigan, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, are also working toward their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees at Franklin University.
For them, continuing their education is all about growth, both for themselves and for the care they provide. They’re not only strengthening their own skills but making a real impact on patients and caregivers alike.
“Education is the foundation for everything we do in healthcare - and the more we know, the better care we can bring to this community,” said Le-Ann Harris, chief operations officer at Grant Medical Center.
Balancing full-time leadership and doctoral coursework is no easy feat, but their commitment to both their education and the patients they serve is clear. With their advanced training, these four leaders are helping shape the future of nursing at Grant.
“These ladies are committed to higher education because they care about our patients and our city,” Harris said. "I am like a proud mother, enthusiastically watching Erin, Dawnyel, Erika and Chelsea go down this path and cheering them on every step of the way.”
This is the kind of growth OhioHealth is proud to champion. Through the OhioHealth Foundation, nearly $500,000 was awarded in 2024 to 428 Nursing Excellence Scholarships, made possible by donors, many of whom are grateful patients. These scholarships help associates pursue advanced degrees, take skills-based training courses and accelerate their careers.
This impact goes beyond leadership. Last year, 222 patient support assistants sought scholarships to begin their nursing careers, many working toward their BSN.
To support OhioHealth Nursing Excellence, visit giving.ohiohealth.com/nursing.
To hear more from Le-Ann Harris on a variety of topics in nursing and leadership, be sure to follow her on LinkedIn.
