OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital Awards 25 Scholarships During National Nurses Week

OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital announced Tuesday, May 5, that 25 associates received scholarships as part of its National Nurses Week celebration. The scholarships support nurses and other healthcare team members as they continue their education and build their careers while serving patients in Athens County and across southeast Ohio.

This year’s awards were supported by several donor-funded scholarships through the OhioHealth Foundation, including the Guild of O’Bleness Hospital Nursing Scholarships, the Charles G. O’Bleness Foundation Scholarship, the CHIX 4 a CURE Scholarship, the O’Bleness Hospital Nursing Excellence Scholarship and the Hocking Valley Bank Nursing Scholarship. This year also marked the introduction of two new awards, the Elford Nursing Scholarship and the O’Bleness Hospital Medical Staff Scholarship.

Molle Taylor, registered nurse in the O’Bleness ICU shakes hands with Dr. Derik Falk, president of the O’Bleness medical staff. Taylor received one of seven scholarships awarded by the medical staff of the hospital. She is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing from Western Governor’s University.

Recipients represent a wide range of roles across the hospital, including registered nurses, nurse managers, patient support assistants, a substance use navigator, and a phlebotomist. Their educational goals range from associate and bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as professional certifications. Many recipients plan to continue serving patients locally in areas such as emergency care, women’s health, addiction medicine, oncology and critical care.

“Each scholarship represents more than financial support,” said O’Bleness Hospital president LeeAnn Lucas-Helber. “It reflects the belief our donors have in the people who care for this community every day. Our associates are growing their skills, expanding their knowledge, and strengthening the future of healthcare in southeast Ohio.”

The new Elford Nursing Scholarship was awarded to Jessica Doyle, a patient support assistant on the night shift in the Emergency Department. Jessica joined the O’Bleness team in 2021 after working as a manager at Nelson Commons dining hall at Ohio University until COVID-19 brought big changes to her career path. Looking for a new way to serve the community, Jessica started in the float pool at O’Bleness and found purpose caring for patients and families on the front lines.

Jessica, a resident of Coolville, is currently pursuing her registered nurse degree at Hocking College, with plans to continue for her BSN and potentially further for additional credentials.

Jessica Doyle, O’Bleness Emergency Department patient support assistant, at the hospital’s annual Nursing Breakfast on May 5. Doyle received a scholarship award from the construction firm Elford to pursue her RN degree at Hocking College.

Receiving the Elford Nursing Scholarship, Jessica shared, “It is going to help me finish this first chapter of schooling. I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Lynn O’Leary, a retired nursing supervisor at O’Bleness Hospital and Guild board member, said the scholarships show how local support can shape the future of care. “Education opens doors for caregivers and strengthens the care patients receive close to home. It is meaningful to see our community invest in associates who are committed to learning, growing, and staying here to serve others.”

O’Bleness Hospital Guild board member Lynn O’Leary congratulates scholarship awardee Zach Hendrix. Hendrix is a registered nurse in the hospital’s surgery department and is pursuing a master’s degree at Western Governor’s University.

Scholarship recipients included: Daniel Alemayehu, Bethaney Carroll, Jameska Clements, Patricia Dennis, Jessica Doyle, Cole Franklin, DeAnna Gross, Zach Hendrix, Stacie Holbert, Brittany Jarvis, Gianni Leal, Cory Love, Amy Maglosky, Michelle Midkiff, Courtney McCombs, Samantha Neal-Keith, Laura Owings, Ashley Paulins, Breanna Redding, John Rupe, Gavin Schulte, Shelby Shumate, Stephanie Sloan, Rebecca Smart and Molle Taylor.

“In healthcare, learning never stops, and our donors understand how important that is,” Helber said. “Their generosity helps associates take the next step in their education, and that investment benefits patients, families, and the whole community.”

Individuals or businesses interested in supporting O’Bleness Hospital scholarships through a charitable donation may contact Tara Gilts at Tara.Gilts@OhioHealth.com or (740) 566.4539.