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 Sydnee Simpson, a member of the fourth cohort of Clay County Hospital’s RN Apprenticeship Program. Sydnee is currently attending Wabash Valley Community College and working toward her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. With several years of healthcare experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Qualified Medication Aide (QMA), Sydnee brings a strong foundation of patient care to the apprenticeship program. As a busy mother of three boys, she is balancing family, education, and career growth while gaining valuable hands-on experience that will help shape her future in nursing.
Sydnee’s journey demonstrates how dedication, life experience, and a passion for helping others can create a strong foundation for a successful nursing career. Through the RN Apprenticeship Program, she is building on her healthcare experience while gaining the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to transition into the role of a Registered Nurse.
As a mother, healthcare professional, and nursing student, Sydnee exemplifies perseverance and commitment to serving others. We are proud to support her educational journey and look forward to seeing the impact she will make on the patients and communities she serves in the future.