Shields Scholarship Program Provides Growth Opportunities for New Nurses and Current Colleagues at SJHS

The Kathryn L. and William S. Shields Endowment for the Education of Professionals in the Health Care Field was established with the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County in 1994 to create an educational fund for each of what at the time was four community hospitals in St. Joseph County, Indiana.  Today, the Saint Joseph Health System endowment supports the education of new nurses through a scholarship program at Indiana University South Bend and for the continuing education opportunities of current SJHS nursing colleagues.

The Saint Joseph Health System Shields Scholarship at IU South Bend is being re-launched with an emphasis on not only providing monetary awards, but also committing to a position at SJHS upon graduation and integrating the recipients into the hospital during their final semesters of college.  Previous recipient of the scholarship and current SJHS colleague Alyce Pittman shared how important the program was to her career growth.  “Professional development opportunities and a career in nursing, will last a lifetime,” Pittman said. “It will never let you down.”

Pittman attained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with the support of the SJHS Shields Scholarship program.  With two children in college at the time and having worked at Saint Joseph Medical Center for 20 years, the Shields Scholarship allowed her to further her education and grow within the organization.  With both a BSN and an RN, Pittman serves as Clinical Education American Heart Association Training Center Coordinator at SJHS.  She manages American Heart Association classes offering certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), each focusing on different aspects of emergency medical care.  She also works with around 120 instructors providing the same educational opportunities in our community.

In addition to her work coordinating both the education and data collection with the American Heart Association, Pittman also serves as the co-chair of the SJHS Recognition Committee.  She is quick to point out that Foundation investment is essential to both our recognition program for nurses, the Daisy Award, and for support staff, the Petal Award.  These awards recognize the great work and compassionate care provided by both Mishawaka and Plymouth Medical Center associates.

When asked what she would like to share with future nurses, Pittman said, “There are so many opportunities in nursing, don’t lock yourself into one expertise.  Take it slow, absorb the wealth of knowledge that surrounds you.”