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The Student Success Program is a tuition assistance program offered to Saber affiliated employees who wish to further their education and advance their career in nursing, respiratory therapy, or healthcare administration.

Amia Morris, the Assistant Director of Nursing and Registered Nurse at Nova Health & Rehab Center, shared her Student Success Program journey. She recently graduated from Mountain Empire Community College and is excited to use her knowledge as she continues to serve the residents with the education she learned.

Can you tell us about yourself?

“I have been at Nova Health & Rehab since receiving my LPN license over five years ago. When I am not at work, I like spending time with my children and grandkids. I also spend much of my leisure time gardening.”

Tell us about your career and background

“I have always been passionate about helping those in need, and knew I wanted to be a nurse and care for others. I started working around 18 years old in an assisted living facility as a housekeeper. Later on, I became a Patient Care Assistant (PCA). I enjoyed getting to know the residents and taking care of them.”

Amia shared why she wanted to go back to school and the process she took to achieve that goal.

“While I was a PCA, I decided that I wanted to further my education and make a difference in both my life and the lives of others. After I received my GED, I enrolled and excelled in multiple college classes at the nearby community college. Along the way, I found joy in starting a family, and after that I was ready to continue my education journey. In 2019, I received my LPN license and have been employed at Nova Health & Rehab Center.”

How did you learn about the Student Success Program?

“I was having lunch with a co-worker in the breakroom and I saw the ad on the television for the Student Success Program. I thought it was a great opportunity and decided to apply. A few days later, I was told that I was accepted! I was shocked and excited. The Student Success Program lifted my financial burden and allowed me to pursue my education. I graduated with honors with my RN degree from Mountain Empire Community College.”

Tell us about your experience with the Student Success Program

“I completed three semesters of schooling and completed the bridge program. While I was in the Program, I worked full-time as a Nursing Supervisor at Nova Health & Rehab Center. The administrator and DON were very flexible with my schedule, and helped me succeed and graduate from the RN program.”

What is your favorite part about working at Nova?

“I work with a very cohesive team, which helps make my job easier and allows us to better serve the residents. I love getting to know my residents and having a solid relationship with them. Overall, it is a great workplace, and we are family here.”

Can you tell us one positive experience you’ve had at Nova?

“The administrator and DON both encouraged me to pursue my RN degree. They always had encouraging and uplifting words, which helped me gain the confidence I needed while in school. They are genuinely the best mentors I could ever ask for, and I am forever thankful for all the opportunities Nova has given me.”

What advice would you give someone aspiring to work in the healthcare field?

"My advice would be to constantly seek new opportunities and don't be afraid of change. Most of all, have compassion and be an advocate for your residents!”

About the Student Success Program

The Student Success Program was first launched in 13 affiliated communities across the Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, and Dayton areas. Now, the program is available to all employees across our Saber Healthcare affiliated family of communities. We are currently looking for Saber affiliated employees who are looking to obtain their LPN or RN education.

The Student Success Program has awarded over 20 full tuition scholarships since the pilot program was launched in 2021. We are excited to continue to grow the program and help people achieve their dreams with the addition of our Loan and Forgiveness Program, previously the Scholarship Program.

Some of the benefits of the Loan and Forgiveness Program include:

• A paid for degree
• A part time job to support you and help you apply what you are learning
• A mentor who can provide support and encouragement

Professional Achievement Grant

Saber Healthcare Group has partnered with current community partners to offer nursing leadership the opportunity to earn their RN-BSN, BSN-MSN, or MHA through the Professional Achievement Grant which covers 100% of the cost of tuition. This benefit is available for those affiliated employees who are in approved nursing management roles including DON, RDCS, and regional nurses. Employees must be employed for at least 6 months and be in good standing in their role and attendance.

 If you are interested in the program, reach out to your local Saber affiliated community to see how you can apply and qualify today! Benefits and offerings of the programs are subject to change.

Saber Healthcare

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Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.