Lori Wightman, RN, FACHE Chief Executive Officer | Bothwell Regional Health Center
Lori Wightman, RN, FACHE Chief Executive Officer | Bothwell Regional Health Center
The Bothwell Auxiliary has awarded six scholarships of $2,500 each to local nursing students. The recipients are Lexi Anderson, Kaitlyn O’Dell, Laura Granados, Sara McLemore, Mattie Mergen and Amber Fillicetti. Of the six scholarship winners, five are employees at Bothwell Regional Health Center.
Lexi Anderson is a Nurse Intern in Women’s Health and Newborn Care. Kaitlyn O’Dell works as a Certified Nurse Assistant in the Medical and Surgical Unit. Both are studying for an associate degree in Nursing at State Fair Community College.
Laura Granados is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Nursing at University of Missouri while working as a Health Care Technician in Nursing Administration.
Sara McLemore, who has 20 years of nursing experience and is a Registered Nurse in Women’s Health and Newborn Care, is completing her bachelor’s degree at Grand Canyon University.
Mattie Mergen is working toward a master’s degree focused on Family Nurse Practitioner/Acute Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Rockhurst University. She serves as a Registered Nurse in the Critical Care Unit.
Amber Fillicetti will begin the Practical Nursing program at State Fair Community College this August and is employed by Twin Oaks Living in Smithton.
Shirley Evans, chair of the Auxiliary scholarship committee, said that all recipients demonstrated strong academic records and submitted impressive recommendations along with essays about their dedication to nursing.
“In the past, the Auxiliary has funded one, two or three scholarships,” Evans said. “As a result of the wonderful applicant pool and successful fundraising, five scholarships were funded this year for the first time. Additionally, a generous donation from the Heckart Family Foundation funded a sixth scholarship.”
At an Auxiliary board meeting in July, Lori Wightman, CEO of Bothwell Regional Health Center, discussed ongoing challenges facing health care staffing.
“Nursing is an attractive career where graduates of a two-year Associate Degree Nursing program can earn a salary of up to $85,000 as a Registered Nurse at Bothwell,” she said. “We appreciate the volunteer-led Auxiliary’s efforts to support the hospital and encourage nurse aides, Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses to continue their education by offering scholarships.”
The Bothwell Auxiliary includes 84 volunteers who run fundraising activities such as operating the hospital Gift Shop and hosting sales events. Since 2003, it has provided 54 scholarships totaling $89,475 to support area nursing students.
For those interested in joining the Bothwell Auxiliary or learning more about its work supporting local health care staff through fundraising initiatives like these scholarships, contact Membership Chair Sarah Lyles at 660.827.0343.
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