GCHS scholarships two employees graduating from healthcare programs this May

May 24, 2023

This May, two Greeley County Health Services employees graduated with healthcare-related degrees, while working full-time and receiving scholarship support from the hospital. 

Jordan Trujillo graduated from Seward County Community College in the Medical Laboratory Technologist program, and Ashli Dinkel graduated from Otero Junior College Registered Nurse program.

 “We are really proud of these two students who have worked so hard to complete these programs and earn their degrees all while working full-time,” Katy Reynolds, Chief Operating Officer, said, “We consider it a privilege to support them in their endeavors and invest in their educations, so they can help us better serve our communities.” 

Jordan Trujillo was hired in the Lab department in 2021, when GCHS offered her a position and support to complete her MLT license. Jordan was able to complete a majority of her labs and clinicals at Greeley County Hospital, while maintaining her position as a Lab Assistant. 

 “The hospital scholarship was a make-it or break-it for me. My husband and I have three children, and without GCHS’s help it would not have been feasible for me to work and go to school at the same time. I am forever thankful for the opportunity to represent GCHS and encourage others to chase their dreams, too!” Trujillo said. 

Greeley County Health Services has made a practice of offering scholarships and financial support to employees that want to further their educations or careers in the healthcare field. Over the years, GCHS has sponsored employees to become CNA’s, Nurses, MLT’s, and CMA’s. 

“In this difficult labor market, we believe that our best option is to ‘grow our own’ and invest in those that know they want to live and work here. We have made it a priority to support employees looking to gain additional credentials or certifications,” Reynolds said. 

GCHS has not only offered scholarships and assistance to high school seniors and college students, but to adult learners and second-career adults as well.

“For those people in the community that might be thinking I want to become a RN or MLT but aren’t sure if they can do it, I say ‘MAKE THE CALL.’ I debated for a week if I should call or if I would be able to complete the education needed for the MLT. When I called GCHS, they assured me that they would do anything needed to help me succeed and they did just that and then some. They have gone above and beyond to make sure that me and my family have everything we needed over the last two years. Without their support there would be no way I would have succeeded,” Trujillo said. 

For people in the community who are interested in a healthcare career, it’s important to know the opportunities that exist for educational support, as well as coworker support. In addition to financial support, GCHS staff and coworkers help support employees in their educational endeavors as well. 

“My coworkers were just as dedicated to my success in the program as I was. Kaylee and Amie both jumped in to fill in when I had to be out for class or clinicals and Jessie was always willing to jump in when needed. Providers at the clinic are great and it’s amazing what I was able to learn and understand better just by listening to them as they care for patients,” Ashli Dinkel, Wallace County Clinic RN, said.

Greeley County Health Services is continuing to work towards creative recruitment and retention solutions in the current healthcare staffing crisis in order to keep providing services as well as grow additional services for Tribune, Sharon Springs and the surrounding communities. 

“We want people to know that we are an employer that invests in our employees and supports their growth and advancement as much as we can. We are committed to sustaining and growing services, which is dependent upon qualified healthcare professionals,” Reynolds said, “We are proud of these employees that have just achieved these great goals, and we hope to be able to help others reach their career goals and help serve patients here at GCHS.”