theLAKER | 15 Thompson Health covers tuition for nursing students UR Medicine Thompson Health has created a new scholarship for second-year nursing students to cover a full year of tuition in exchange for an agreement to work in its hospital. FLCC full-time tuition is $5,280 per year. The first recipient is Nichelle Camp of Newark, who will graduate in May. “I have completed two clinical rotations at Thompson and fell in love with the facility as a student,” Nichelle said. “I am honored to be a recipient of the new scholarship. I am grateful for the foundation FLCC has given me, and I am looking forward to the opportunity that is ahead as I start my job in Thompson's post-anesthesia care unit this summer.” “Nichelle is an extremely hard working, motivated student. She is engaged in scholarship and strives for excellence in all she does,” added Tina Hamilton, assistant professor of nursing. “She is currently president of the Class of May 2024 and attentive to the needs of her peers. She is a worthy recipient of the Thompson Health scholarship.” Students must complete a competitive application process and attend an interview with Thompson’s nursing leadership. The application is included with more than 100 other awards that incoming and current students can apply for at flcc.edu/scholarships. Those who are chosen agree to work for the health system for two years upon graduation and passing the NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination. Thompson will grant up to 10 scholarships per year. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome Nichelle to Thompson and look forward to the many FLCC-trained nurses who will follow in her footsteps,” said Hazel Robertshaw, Thompson Health vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer. “The best part is that this new initiative builds on a longstanding partnership between our health system and the College, ensuring a strong pipeline of future nurses for many years to come.” Graduates of the FLCC associate in nursing program had a 95 percent pass rate on the national nursing licensure exam in 2023. This is above the statewide averages of 88 percent for associate degree graduates and 90 percent for bachelor’s degree graduates. New funds to help nursing students stay on track The Mary Porcari Brady Fund has made a third $20,000 gift to the FLCC Foundation to help nursing students who are facing unexpected expenses that could force them to leave school. The first gifts in 2022 and 2023 helped a total of 26 nursing students cover costs such as tuition, textbooks, car repairs, and rent. Denise Ferrell of Canandaigua is enrolled in the accelerated program for license practical nurses looking to advance in her career to registered nursing. Denise has to work to support herself while keeping up with her coursework. She took advantage of the Mary Porcari Brady Fund to cover school expenses and some unforeseen financial challenges. “The impact of the fund on my academic journey cannot be overstated,” she said. “It has not only relieved the anxieties associated with financial constraints but has also played a crucial role in ensuring that I could dedicate myself fully to my educational pursuits during a pivotal time in the semester.” The FLCC Foundation, a nonprofit that raises private-sector support for College students and programs, holds the funds while the Nursing Department faculty administer the program. “The Mary Porcari Brady Fund provides nursing students with a safety net so that when unexpected financial challenges arise, they can continue on with their classes,” said Brie Chupalio, FLCC chief advancement officer. “We are beyond grateful to the Porcari family for their continued commitment to the College and the future nurses of our region.” Mary Porcari Brady obtained her nursing degree after the loss of her youngest child, Mary Elizabeth, to a rare genetic disorder. During her career, she worked as a registered nurse at Park Ridge Hospital for over 20 years, then at Cortland Hospital while she obtained a second degree at SUNY Cortland. She finished her career at Oswego Hospital. After her passing in 2001, her surviving children pooled resources to create the fund in her memory. Mary Porcari Brady
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