Brittany Sorrell, DNP, MSN, RN, is the Manager of Workforce Development at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. She’s excited to announce a new program for St. Elizabeth associates (employees) interested in pursuing a nursing career.

Tell Us About the New PATH-RN Program

St. Elizabeth and Gateway Community and Technical College recently teamed up to create Programs for Advancing Talent in Healthcare, or PATH-RN. The program allows nursing students to work part-time at St. Elizabeth as Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) three days a week while receiving full-time pay and benefits. It is similar to another program co-sponsored by Gateway and Toyota called FAME, which has been very successful.

How Does the Program Fill a Need for Nursing Students?

Nursing school is rigorous with academic responsibility, lab work and hands-on training. The schedule can make it difficult for nursing students to work the hours they need to support themselves financially. 

At St. Elizabeth, we don’t want anyone to choose between going to class and picking up an extra shift or putting their life goals on hold because they can’t make ends meet. PATH-RN eases the financial burden for nursing students, allowing them to work fewer hours while still earning the money they need. 

What are the Requirements for Students Who Participate in PATH-RN?

Program participants must work as a PCA 24 hours a week at any St. Elizabeth location, during the night shift only. We’ll help them create a schedule that works best for their needs. 

PCAs provide direct and indirect patient care under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed professional nurse. They also have clerical duties. It’s an excellent role for student nurses because it helps them build nursing skills while they are still in school. 

Many nursing students work as PCAs at St. Elizabeth, but we have a shortage of PCAs on the night shift. The PATH-RN program will help us fill a critical staffing need. 

Program participants must remain in the night shift PCA role until they graduate from Gateway with their nursing degree. The first PATH-RN cohort will begin in August 2025 and graduate in Fall 2027.

Are PATH-RN Participants Required to Work at St. Elizabeth After Graduation?

No, but we certainly hope they will consider staying with us! St. Elizabeth offers competitive pay and benefits and many opportunities for career advancement.

What’s the Application Process for PATH-RN?

Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and must be current St. Elizabeth associates. We hope to select five to 10 associates to participate in the PATH-RN program starting in August.

Does St. Elizabeth Offer Tuition Assistance or Scholarship Money? 

St. Elizabeth offers tuition reimbursement program for associates. And local nursing schools and other organizations provide scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help nurses cover additional expenses. For example, the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship offers free tuition to any Kentucky resident wanting to pursue a healthcare degree. 

Learn more about the PATH-RN program and apply today. The application deadline is Monday, June 9. For more information, please contact Brittany Sorrell at (859) 655-7504 or brittany.sorrell@stelizabeth.com.