In this article:
- Providence is dedicated to supporting our employees’ goals – including dreams of starting or going back to college.
- The college tuition reimbursement program offers financial aid to employees interested in switching to clinical work.
- Sharitah Nanono took advantage of the program to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Now she has her sights set on becoming a registered nurse.
At Providence, our promise to our patients is demonstrated every day by the individuals that provide care, support, and a friendly hello to all we see. We are dedicated to showing up every day with our values on full display – compassion, dignity, justice, excellence, and integrity. But it’s not only to our patients that we make those promises. It’s also our promise to the employees we call family.
We are committed to supporting these hardworking individuals however we can with programs and services that meet their needs and fill their spirits. One such program is our tuition reimbursement program. It’s a program Sharitah Nanono is familiar with.
From Uganda to Southern California
Sharitah grew up in Uganda, where she knew she would be expected to contribute to her family and society once she turned 18. So, she and her sister traveled to Southern California to join their mother. Sharitah quickly found an opportunity to make her way at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center as an environmental services technician.
“I’m a neat person – I like everything clean, so it was easy,” Sharitah says. “Then I heard that Providence has a program that helps you go to school and do what you have to do to make yourself better, so I decided to jump on it.”
Making dreams a reality
Providence’s tuition reimbursement program is available to all full-time and part-time caregivers.* Upon completion of their program, full-time caregivers are eligible for reimbursement of up to $5,250 and part-time caregivers are eligible for up to $2,625.
The program is part of the Providence promise, “Know me, Care for me, Ease my way,” as it affirms our dedication to our employees’ continued professional growth and development. Tuition reimbursement is a primary way that Providence supports caregivers in reaching their goals.
A bright future ahead
In Sharitah’s case, she decided to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). She was in class for eight hours a day, five days a week for five weeks while still working nights. At the end of the program, she passed her exams, received her national certification and received the tuition reimbursement from Providence.
“This is helping me so much,” she says. “I’m learning a lot, being close to the nurses. We always work hand in hand. I love them and I think they love me. Every time I go to work, it’s the best.”
Now that Sharitah is a CNA, she is preparing to take the next step: Becoming a registered nurse.
“There are so many opportunities at Providence,” she says. “I just advise everyone to jump on these opportunities. They’re amazing.”
*Caregivers covered under a collective bargaining agreement receive tuition benefits in accordance with the terms of their contract.
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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
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