As Michaela works toward her registered nursing degree at Kirkwood Community College, she has enrolled in Mercy’s Earn + Learn program to help her pay for her college tuition. She anticipates graduating in December 2024 with less debt and stress, as well as more nursing knowledge and skills by working at Mercy.

Thanks to the Earn+Learn program, Michaela is able to focus on her studies and job at Mercy, instead of worrying about how she will pay for her education.

“I started the Earn + Learn Program in the spring of 2023,” Michaela said. “It has helped me tremendously with my financial expenses while going to Kirkwood. This program has allowed me to focus on my studies and not have to worry about saving money and working extra hours to pay for my tuition. I am able to focus on my studies and becoming a RN with the tuition from Mercy.”

Currently, Michaela works for Mercy as a Patient Care Technician, where she is gaining experience that will help her as a future nurse.

“By having the patient interaction in the hospital setting, I am able to apply my skills and knowledge from nursing school into my workplace,” Michaela said. “This allows me to make connections and understand concepts taught in the classroom better. With this experience, I feel comfortable caring for a patient as a RN, and it will make me a better nurse. ”

Because of her positive experience at Mercy and the tuition assistance, Michaela has boasted about the program to her fellow nursing friends.

“I have recommended the program to many fellow nursing students and friends because I have really enjoyed the people I work with; I’m able to float to different units and care for a variety of patients; I have the flexibility of making my own schedule; and I’ve gained knowledge and continue to learn while working as a float tech,” Michaela said. “I have loved working at Mercy and it’s an environment that I can see myself working in for many years to come.”