Batesville, Ark - White River Health System (WRHS) Foundation presented scholarships to Emily “Emmy” Perrin, Valerie Ragsdale, Amanda Scribner, and Mandy Tedeschi, to continue their education and professional development. Scholarships are awarded annually to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) seeking degrees as registered nurses (RNs).
Scholarship recipients are chosen based on WRHS behavioral standards: attitude, courtesy, prompt response, commitment to co-workers, communication, appearance, leadership, and honesty, as well as educational preparation. The goal of the Foundation’s Scholarship Program is to help relieve the financial burden on employees seeking career advancement and encourage educational advancement to those who choose to devote their careers to preserving and bettering the lives of others through nursing. The program also supports the efforts of the organization to achieve Magnet designation from the American Nurse Credentialing Center.
The Bonnie J. Bernard LPN to RN Scholarship, presented to Mandy Tedeschi, was established by Dick and the late Bonnie Bernard in 1996. This scholarship was the first scholarship created by the WRHS Foundation and launched its education mission. Mrs. Bernard was first involved with White River Medical Center (WRMC) when she helped organize the hospital’s Auxiliary in 1975. After raising two sons, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and worked as an RN at WRMC from 1986 until her death in 2004. Throughout her career, Bonnie witnessed the difficulties of fellow nurses who were unable to advance their education due to lack of financial resources. For the past thirteen years, the Bonnie J. Bernard Scholarship has provided LPNs a chance to grow both professionally and personally.
Tedeschi has over five years experience as an LPN and plans to attend Ozarka College in Melbourne. Her goal is to one day work as a RN in the WRMC Intensive Care Unit.
Emily “Emmy” Perrin was one of three recipients of this year’s WRHS Foundation LPN to RN Scholarship, funded by the generosity of donors to the WRHS Foundation. Emmy began her career at WRMC in 2008 as a patient care tech. In 2009, as a student in the practical nursing program at UACCB, Perrin received the Outstanding Clinical Performance Award. She plans to continue her education at UACCB and then pursue a BSN degree, become certified in critical care nursing and complete her education by earning an advanced degree and becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
Valerie Ragsdell also received the WRHS Foundation LPN to RN Scholarship. WRMC welcomed Valerie as an employee in August of 2009, and she too plans to attend UACCB. Once she completes an Associates of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) degree, she plans to continue her education by working toward a BSN, and then a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Amanda Scribner received a WRHS Foundation LPN to RN Scholarship as well. She joined the staff of WRMC in October of 2008 and plans to attend UACCB. After she completes the ASSN degree, Amanda plans to further her education and obtain a BSN and then a MSN, as well as continue her work at WRMC.
WRMC is a 199-bed regional referral center and the flagship facility of White River Health System. WRHS is a not-for-profit healthcare system serving residents throughout North Central Arkansas. The system includes hospitals, outpatient facilities, primary care and specialty physician office practices, long-term care facilities and a medical equipment company. White River Health System is a member of the Premier Alliance, the American Hospital Association, and the Arkansas Hospital Association and is licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health.
The White River Health System Foundation was established in 1992 to provide a means for charitable giving to support the present and future needs of White River Health System. WRHS Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to its mission.
Every gift to the WRHS Foundation helps White River Health System achieve its mission of providing outstanding healthcare services and programs to the citizens of North Central Arkansas. For more information about the WRHS Foundation and how your gifts can make a difference, call 870-262-1225.
Pictured:L to R: Gary Bebow (WRHS Administrator and CEO), Valerie Ragsdell, Mandy Tedeschi, Amanda Scribner, Dick Bernard (President of WRHS Foundation Board of Directors), and Emily Perrin