Caregiver Stories
One lower-cost roadmap to becoming a nurse at Providence
If you’re called to become a nurse, or even a nurse leader, but you’re daunted by education costs, you’re not alone. At Providence, there are programs designed to help caregivers advance their careers while reducing financial barriers along the way. In this article, Clinical Education Manager and RN Carrie shares one pathway she recommends for aspiring nurses, while Director of Nursing Kristen shares how she progressed from high school volunteer to nursing leader. Together, their perspectives offer both a practical roadmap and a real-life example of what’s possible when opportunity and support come together.
One way to start a nursing career with us
One of the pathways Carrie recommends allows you to earn a paycheck while working toward new credentials, with access to low- or no-cost training. Each milestone can open the door to a higher-paying position and bring you one step closer to becoming a registered nurse.
Step 1: Apply for an entry-level position that matches your experience right now.
Entry-level positions are a foot in the door and a reliable paycheck—and they open up a host of valuable benefits, including no-cost upfront certifications for Medical Assistant (MA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and certification.
Rather than paying for a program yourself and waiting to be reimbursed, benefits-eligible caregivers can get training and certification covered up front. This immediate reimbursement can be used to cover books, school/classes, and testing fees with no out-of-pocket expenses.
With a high school diploma, you may qualify for benefits-eligible positions in areas like:
Then you can take advantage of the free training—and apply as a current employee for one of our many open MA or CNA positions once you have your certification.
Step 2: Gain skills and experience as a CNA or MA.
An assistant role helps you build a strong foundation as you learn patient care skills, grow your professional confidence, and develop an understanding of how hospitals or clinics operate from the inside.
If you’d like to become a clinic nurse or clinic supervisor someday, the MA path is a good fit. For those interested in the hospital setting, CNA experience can be a powerful asset to bring into nursing school.
Providence also offers tuition support to help with school: Eligible caregivers* can receive up to $5,250 in annual tuition reimbursement for qualifying education, certificate programs and expenses.
Step 3: Secure a Nurse Residency and transition into full nursing practice with confidence.
For newly graduated nurses, the Providence Nurse Residency program is a structured, one-year transition into full professional practice. It bridges the gap between nursing school and independent clinical work, offering mentorship, skill development and a supportive community during one of the most critical years of a nursing career.
Curious what it’s like? Read stories from Providence Residents on our blog.
If you leave school with student debt, we also help support you financially now and in the future with the Providence Student Debt Match program. Through the program, eligible student loan payments are treated similarly to retirement plan contributions for matching purposes. Providence then provides an employer match based on those payments, which is deposited directly into your 401(k) account.
Get more information about Student Debt Match.
Caregiver story: Kristen’s path to advancement from high school volunteer to Director of Nursing
Kristen is a great example of how to navigate available resources to build the career you love. She volunteered with Providence in Eureka, California, while she was still in high school and the organization has supported her ever since. Says Kristen, “I was awarded a scholarship to attend college through one of the Sisters’ scholarships through the hospital. I then worked as a nursing assistant while I was a nursing student, and was hired as a new grad in the Emergency Department. I rose in leadership as a Charge Nurse, then an interim Manager, a permanent ED Manager, then Director of ED/SART/Trauma. Eventually I took over as Nursing Director for ED and Critical Care Services at two ministries in our area. Providence’s tuition reimbursement program paid 100% for my Master of Science in Nursing Leadership degree, and I have relied on my leaders as mentors and preceptors throughout my development.”
15 years after she joined us, Kristen says her favorite things about her role are her team and the positive impact she’s able to make daily. “I love to be able to help caregivers, our patients and our community,” she says. “It feels like I can have a genuine impact on people’s experience. I love my team. I feel very supported and cared about as a person, and I believe my team wants me to invest in my family and friends, my life outside of work, to better allow my work to feel sustainable.”
Kick-start your nursing career with us
No matter where you’re starting, Providence offers programs designed to help you take the next step—and get where you want to go. Explore all open roles today and discover where your nursing career could begin.
*Benefits offered may differ by location. Caregivers covered under a collective bargaining agreement receive benefits in accordance with the terms of their contract. Plan provisions may differ for represented caregivers.
