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ORANGE PARK – HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital continued its investment in the future of healthcare with its partnership with St. Johns River State College and a contribution toward 15 nursing scholarships.

Recognizing the importance of fostering talent in the healthcare field, Orange Park Hospital is committed to investing in the education of aspiring nurses.

“I’m excited to welcome you to our future nursing pipeline from SJR State,” Chief Nursing Officer Mary Tabor said. “We know we are getting the best and the brightest from such a highly-respected and tenured nursing program. Ensuring our community partnership is strong is one of my top priorities as the CNO.”

SJR State Foundation Director Kate Adornetto said the college appreciates the hospital’s commitment to its communities and investment in the next generation of nurses.

“Partnerships like this are a perfect example of how scholarships create lasting connections for our students to be successful in life,” Adornetto said.

The impact of the scholarships was evident in the thank you notes to Orange Park Hospital.

“I am able to put more energy toward my classes rather than worry about bills,” recipient Kaitlin Jenner wrote.

“Thank you for the ability to remain stress-free financially,” wrote Tymber Cowart.

Cheyenne Manders wrote she is “deeply honored to be selected and committed to working hard to make the most of this opportunity. Thank you for investing in my future as a nurse.”

Ethan Quinn is excited to continue at HCA after graduation, writing, “I plan to stay at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital once I graduate.”

Florida Blue contributed $2.5 million to the Florida College Foundation in 2003 to establish a statewide endowed nursing and allied health scholarship program. With matching funds from the State Legislature, a $5 million endowment was created to provide a sustained funding source for student scholarships in healthcare at Florida’s colleges.

SJR State’s nursing programs include the ASN; Nursing: LPN Bridge to ASN; Practical Nursing; Nursing Assistant; and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Allied health programs include Sonography, Emergency Medical Services; EMT/Paramedic; Health Information Technology; Radiologic Technology; Respiratory Care; and, Medical Assisting.