Clay County Hospital is proud to announce the graduation of the first two apprentices from the pioneering RN apprenticeship program in collaboration with Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC). Whittney Gill and Victoria Sturm have successfully completed the registered nursing program, marking a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare education and workforce development.
This RN apprenticeship program, the first of its kind in Illinois endorsed by the Department of Labor, represents a groundbreaking approach to nurturing local nursing talent. Whittney Gill and Victoria Sturm are celebrated as trailblazers in this innovative program, which reflects Clay County Hospital’s commitment to “Grow Your Own” employees. This forward-thinking approach is designed to support and sustain the nursing talent pipeline, ensuring high-quality care for the community.
“We are immensely proud of Whittney and Victoria’s accomplishments,” said Kamy Vail, RN, Clinical Nurse Educator at Clay County Hospital. “Their dedication and hard work exemplify the spirit of this program, and we look forward to seeing them thrive in their nursing careers.”
Clay County Hospital has been at the forefront of innovative healthcare solutions, and this apprenticeship program is a testament to its commitment to developing skilled professionals from within the community. The collaboration with Illinois Eastern Community Colleges provides apprentices with a robust educational foundation, blending classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience to ensure that the participants are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the healthcare industry.
As the program continues to grow, Clay County Hospital is excited to announce the commencement of its third cohort in August 2025. This upcoming cohort will continue the tradition of excellence, fostering the next generation of nursing professionals ready to serve the community.
Pictured: Left to Right Bob Sellers, Clay County Hospital (CCH) CEO; Jebee Tucker, RN Apprentice (2nd Cohort); Jonathan Paul, RN Apprentice (2nd cohort); Victoria Sturm, RN Apprentice; Whittney Gill, RN apprentice; Kamy Vail CCH Clinical Nurse Educator, & Alani Frederick, DNP, IECC Dean of Health Professions.