American Senior Communities (ASC) and Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC) proudly recognized 21 graduates of the Opportunities to Nursing Excellence (O2NE) Program at a luncheon on Sept. 2 at the Bridgewater Club in Carmel.
The O2NE scholarship program was created to support employees who aspire to advance their careers in the nursing field. The program reflects a shared commitment to fostering professional development and strengthening the long-term care profession across the state.
Among the graduates is Kimberly Pope, LPN at Riverwalk Village.
The O2NE program provides a valuable pathway for caregiver staff to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) by offering direct funding to accredited nursing schools, all while allowing participants to continue working in their current roles. Funding provided through the program covers tuition and book expenses and supports participants with the flexibility to pursue their education without financial hardship.
To date, the program has created educational and career advancement opportunities for nearly 300 graduates. Many earned their RN licensure and have been promoted to clinical management positions.
“We are extremely proud of the talented and dedicated clinical professionals who serve our residents every day, and the accomplishments of our O2NE graduates are a wonderful reflection of that commitment to excellence,” said Alicia Sims, Chief Nursing Officer at ASC. We believe investing in our team members and supporting their professional growth benefits everyone; our employees, our communities and, most importantly, the seniors we serve. We congratulate the graduating class on this well-deserved achievement.”
Julie White, Vice President of Long-Term Care at HHC of Marion County, said, “Congratulations to this year’s O2NE graduates and for the sacrifices you made while pursuing additional credentials while continuing in your current roles. HHC is thankful to have sponsored 14 graduates this year and a total 270 O2NE nursing graduates to date. The program demonstrates the tremendous impact that HHC’s investment in career advancement can have on ASC’s workforce. We have a 71 percent retention rate for O2NE graduates over 18 years with 69 currently serving in leadership positions. As more team members advance to become Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses, we will continue to strengthen the workforce and expand our ability to provide the heart and compassion to provide quality of care to serve a vulnerable population.”
About American Senior Communities
American Senior Communities (ASC) offers a wide variety of Lifestyle and Care Options including Garden Homes, Assisted Living, New Energy Wellness, Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Care, Hospice, and Respite. ASC’s mission is to compassionately serve each customer with quality care and excellence. To learn more about American Senior Communities, visit ASCCare.com. For career opportunities, visit CareerswithASC.com.
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