Nursing scholarships presented to OGH aspiring nurses

Nursing scholarships presented to OGH aspiring nurses

Esoshani Barton, Desserea Gasper, and Derek Hittle were presented with a $750 scholarship by Jennifer Ruggles, chief nursing officer, BRMC, OGH.

OLEAN, NY - The nursing recruitment and retention committee at Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, recently awarded three $750 nursing scholarships to current OGH employees who are planning to attend an RN school or is already currently enrolled in a nursing program.

The three recipients were Esoshani Barton, Desserea Gasper, and Derek Hittle that were presented with this year's scholarships.

Through various fundraising activities throughout the year, the OGH nursing recruitment and retention committee is able to present this scholarship annually. Previously, the scholarship was presented to two individuals with this year being the first year having three awardees. Applicants of the scholarship must be a current OGH employee in good standing and is currently enrolled or enrolling into a nursing program.

Barton, a medical office assistant in practice management since 2023, is a resident of Olean and is currently pursuing a master's entry to practice nursing at St. Bonaventure University. She is anticipated to graduate in December 2024.

Gasper is nurse assistant on the third floor and was originally hired in 2023. She is a resident of Little Valley and is currently enrolled in the nursing program at Jamestown Community College and expected to graduate in the spring of 2026.

A Limestone resident, Derek Hittle is pursuing a career in nursing and is attending Jamestown Community College. He anticipates to graduate in 2025. Hittle is an ED technician in the emergency department at OGH.

"I want to personally congratulate our three recipients, Esoshani, Desserea, and Derek on their commitment to our local healthcare and their pursuit to fulfilling their nursing aspirations. By awarding these scholarships we're able to grow our own nurses that are passionate about this community and its members," said Jennifer Ruggles, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer, OGH, BRMC. "These three individuals have played a vital role in the care our patients receive and will be great nurses once they've completed their education. I am so proud of them as they continue on their journey to become nurses."

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