Clay County Hospital’s RN Apprenticeship Program was the first U.S. Department of Labor Registered RN Apprenticeship Program in Illinois. The program was created to build a strong pipeline of nurses in our rural community by allowing students to earn while they learn through education, mentorship, tuition support, and hands-on experience.
Healthcare apprenticeships play a vital role in addressing workforce shortages by creating opportunities for local students to enter healthcare careers while helping rural hospitals recruit, develop, and retain highly skilled caregivers for the future.
Meet Jebee Tucker, a member of the second cohort of Clay County Hospital’s RN Apprenticeship Program. Jebee recently completed the Registered Nursing Program at Olney Central College and has transitioned into her role as a Registered Nurse on Clay County Hospital’s Medical-Surgical Unit. Her journey with Clay County Hospital began even before nursing school as a student in the Clay County High School Health Occupations Program, sponsored by the hospital, IECC, and the high school dual-credit program, where she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. It has been a pleasure to watch Jebee grow from a high school student exploring healthcare careers to a skilled registered nurse caring for patients in our community.
Jebee’s story is a wonderful example of the long-term impact of investing in local students and creating healthcare career pathways within our community. From earning her CNA certification through the Clay County High School Health Occupations Program to completing nursing school and becoming a registered nurse through the RN Apprenticeship Program, Jebee has embraced every opportunity to learn and grow. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to lifelong learning will continue to serve her well as she cares for patients on the Medical-Surgical Unit.
We are incredibly proud of Jebee’s accomplishments and grateful to have her as part of the Clay County Hospital team. Her journey highlights how healthcare apprenticeships can help students build meaningful careers close to home while strengthening the future of rural healthcare.