OhioHealth Employee Pursues Academic Dream
Donna York, a dedicated healthcare worker with 14 years of experience at OhioHealth, is taking a significant step toward advancing her career in nursing. Currently in her second semester at North Central State College, Donna is pursuing a Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate with the ultimate goal of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Her journey, supported by a partnership between OhioHealth and North Central State College Foundation, is a testament to her commitment to patient care and her resilience in balancing work, school, and family responsibilities.
For the past 14 years, Donna has worked in the emergency room at OhioHealth, in-patient registration and as a patient safety aid. During this time, she has had the opportunity to interact with countless safety agents, their families, and patients. It was through these experiences that Donna witnessed firsthand the dedication and compassion of nursing staff, as well as the profound impact they have on patients’ lives.
“Working in the ER, I quickly learned that every role is essential, but I’ve always felt a pull toward helping others more directly through patient care,” Donna says. “Helping people comes naturally to me, and that’s why I’m so excited to be pursuing my LPN certificate.”
Donna’s decision to return to school is driven by several factors, including the life-altering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an ER worker during the height of the crisis, Donna saw firsthand the overwhelming strain on healthcare systems and the critical shortage of nurses. “COVID has devastated our communities and continues to impact lives every day,” she says. “That’s when I knew I had to seize the opportunity to make a difference and take the next step in my career.”
In addition to the desire to contribute to her community’s healing, Donna acknowledges that the financial strain caused by the pandemic and inflation also played a role in her decision to pursue nursing. “The financial challenges of COVID and inflation have affected all of us,” she explains. “Taking a new career path will not only allow me to make a greater impact, but it will also help me provide a better life for my family.”
Going back to school while working a third-shift job has not been easy, but Donna is determined to succeed. She credits her family, classmates, and the support from OhioHealth and North Central State College for helping make this challenging transition easier. “There have been times when I’ve had to rely on my grandkids to help me with my studies. It’s actually kind of cool talking to them about my school day,” she says with a smile.
Donna’s persistence and dedication have not gone unnoticed. The partnership between OhioHealth and the North Central State College Foundation has provided her with the financial assistance she needed to continue her education. Without this scholarship support, Donna admits that attending school would not have been possible. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity Ohio Health and North Central have given me,” she says. “It’s a blessing, and it’s allowed me to continue learning and advancing my career.”
As Donna works toward her LPN certification, she remains focused on her long-term goal of becoming an RN. She believes that advancing her education will allow her to contribute more effectively to her team and to the patients she serves. “Education opens new doors—not just for me, but for the entire community,” she says. “By advancing my skills, I hope to make a greater impact on the lives of those in my care.”
Donna’s 14 years of experience welcoming patients into Ohio Health’s emergency department have given her a strong foundation in patient care. Now, she’s ready to take that experience a step further and provide the care herself. “I’ve spent all these years welcoming patients into our care, and now I’m ready to be the one offering it,” she says.
As Donna’s journey continues, she remains filled with gratitude for the support she has received. “I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me,” she says.
A Path to a Brighter Future
Through her hard work, dedication, and support from OhioHealth and North Central State College, Donna is paving the way for a bright future in nursing. With a passion for helping others and a clear vision for her future, Donna is ready to continue her journey in nursing, confident that the best is yet to come.