Nursing student finds lots to like about Work+ job at Kettering Health
Program provides students with paycheck, tuition reimbursement, and a sense of security
Nursing student finds lots to like about Work+ job at Kettering Health
Michael Hundley said his Nursing education at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University has involved a series of good choices he feels fortunate to have made. Among the most important of these has been his choice to participate in an off-campus job through ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Regionals Work+ Program.
Hundley knew that ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s reputation for excellence meant he wanted to pursue a Nursing degree here after deciding healthcare was his passion. But he also understood that he had no first-hand experience in the healthcare field, which he felt would be important to verify his decision and to learn more about what type of specific career he wanted.
Luckily, Hundley said he had a friend who was participating in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Regionals Work+ Program, which pairs local participating businesses with interested students for part-time jobs. With Work+, however, students get more than just spending money, they also receive paid tuition as part of the agreement.
Through Work+, Hundley has been able to gain valuable on-the-job experience as a nursing assistant at Kettering Health Hamilton. Hundley describes the unique benefits of the program as almost too good to be true.
“There’s really nothing not to like about it,” he said. “I’m getting a great opportunity to work in a healthcare setting and use the skills I’m learning in the classroom. It also sets me up financially because I don’t have to worry about my college expenses.”
Launched in 2019, Work+ has nearly doubled enrollment every year over the past three years and has been praised by business leaders and educators alike for its innovative solutions to some of the most persistent needs of businesses and students.
Students enroll in the program and apply for open positions at one of the more than 20 participating companies. Employers screen and hire candidates based on their own unique job requirements and find motivated workers in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s student applicants. In exchange for 24 hours per week of paid work, student workers also receive paid tuition.
Hundley said tuition payments weren’t a big worry for him since his parents agreed to help him with his college costs. But having the option to cover his own education expenses through Work+ has still provided a level of stress-relief, knowing that his college costs are not causing financial strain for him or his parents.
Another benefit is having a part-time job that works in coordination with his school schedule, so he can stay on top of coursework and tests without having to engage in difficult conversations with bosses who don’t appreciate the time demands of nursing school.
“I always felt it was a good balance between work and school because they understand my education needs to come first,” Hundley said. “I worked another part-time job before I started with Work+ and they weren’t very understanding about school, so having Kettering work in tandem with ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú to help manage my schedule has been great.”
In addition, he said his role at Kettering Health may lead to a full-time job after he graduates in the spring — a benefit that many Work+ student participants find attractive.
“The conversation has definitely started,” Hundley said of his future at Kettering. “It’s been great to have a foot in the door. Knowing that I might already have a full-time job lined up months before I graduate is another weight off my shoulders. I feel like I’ve already found a place where I fit in, and it’s only minutes from my home.”
Stephanie Nicely, chair of the Department of Nursing, said Hundley’s experience is exactly what Work+ was created to provide for students: a chance to pay for school while gaining important job skills and connections.
“This program really sets our students up for success,” she said. “Their work experiences build customer service and communication skills and make them more clinically astute because they observe working nurses on the job every day. It also means students who might not be able to afford an education, can get one. We are proud to offer such a valuable opportunity for our students.”
