Gundersen Lutheran Health System Inc.
07/31/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/31/2024 11:37
Capturing the spirit of excellence in compassionate care
Cheri Kjos, informatics nurse
Department of Nursing
Where generosity meets excellence, great things can happen. When we use generosity to encourage and invest in continuing education for nurses, our whole community feels the benefit.
This is why Gundersen Medical Foundation established the Heritage Nursing scholarship and the Legacy of Nursing Scholarship Program. Each year, two Heritage Nursing scholarships are awarded to Gundersen nurses pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree.
As the recipient of the Heritage Nursing scholarship in 2022, nurse Cheri Kjos has experienced the personal and community benefit of this investment first-hand.
This May, Cheri will celebrate her 30thyear at Gundersen. Starting as a medical assistant, Cheri grew her career in phases and saw the benefit of continuing her education along the way. When she had the itch to learn more, she pursued an Associate Degree in Nursing and then later completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. When Cheri became a clinical manager, she often found herself encouraging the medical assistants in her department to pursue their dreams of becoming a nurse. But her influence and growth journey didn't stop there. Interested in project work, problem solving and troubleshooting technology, Cheri became an informatics nurse and went on to get her Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Informatics.
Pursuing additional education opens career opportunities, increases knowledge and skills and requires a personal financial investment. Cheri was grateful for the support of Gundersen's Tuition Investment Program and the opportunity to apply for additional funding through the Legacy of Nursing Scholarship Program. Receiving a scholarship helped Cheri feel supported not only financially but also professionally, and it was heartening to know that generous community members valued her profession enough to donate financial support. "It was really great to have that extra help from the scholarship," Cheri explains. "Every little bit helps when you're going back to school and trying to balance everything."
The generosity of donors also ensures compassionate and quality care for our community now and in the future. "It benefits our community when nurses are able to continually grow in their education," says Cheri. "When donors provide funds for scholarships, they're making sure our nurses can apply their new knowledge in their daily work to improve healthcare for everyone. The more you can encourage these scholarships to help people bridge the gap when they're going back to school, it will benefit everyone."
Whether through one of our six Legacy of Nursing Scholarships or through the Nursing Education Fund, the generosity of donors makes a direct impact for our nurses, allowing them the opportunity to develop the skills they need to care for our whole community.
Randi Nicholson Johnston, RN
GI Lab
Randi Nicholson Johnston completed her associate degree and started her nursing career in the Orthopedic unit at Gundersen. While she knew seeking her bachelor's degree would expand her knowledge and open more doors throughout her career, the idea of taking on student loans was daunting. That's when Randi's coworkers encouraged her to apply for a Legacy of Nursing Scholarship.
In 2021, Randi received the Barbara Kroner Legacy of Nursing Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2015 to honor the excellent care and compassion shown to Barbara Kroner while she was a patient at Gundersen. A 40-year educator in the La Crosse School District and an employee of UW-La Crosse, Barbara requested that memorials in her name be used for educational and scholarship opportunities. One scholarship in honor of Barbara is awarded annually to Gundersen Health System nurses with an associate degree pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Securing this scholarship helped propel Randi's educational and career journey. Combined with Gundersen's tuition reimbursement program, Randi felt relief from the financial stress of pursuing her bachelor's degree. She immersed herself in her studies and deepened her expertise in nursing. "The scholarship kind of took the stress off," says Randi. "I didn't have to worry about taking out more loans. Getting my degree helped me become a more well-rounded nurse. The scholarship really helped all around with my educational and career goals."
Now Randi is on the path to reaching higher goals without hesitation - goals like pursuing her doctorate degree to become a family nurse practitioner. "Without the assistance, I probably would have ended up delaying going for my doctorate," Randi shared. "Now that I know getting help with the cost is a possibility, I feel more comfortable continuing my education."
Expanding her nursing experience in the GI Lab, Randi has seen the impact of relationships strengthened when we come together to support our coworkers. "It's like a family, even in my department. We are all very supportive and want people to do better and continue learning. I enjoy that."
When a whole community comes together to lift each other up, great things can happen. Through the support of gifts made in gratitude and an environment of continuous learning, we can ensure that Gundersen's reputation for compassionate and competent care continues far into the future.
Please consider making a difference today. Your gift to the Nursing Education Fund, no matter the size, is an investment in the future of nursing and stays local to directly benefit patient care in the Gundersen region. Gifts to the Nursing Education Fund can be made here. If you would like to establish a Legacy of Nursing Scholarship, please contact the Foundation at (608) 775-6600.