For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: October 14, 2024
Gibson, 60, returns to Southwest Tech in pursuit of nursing degree (with video)
Fennimore -At the age of 60, Maria Gibson, is now pursuing her dream career with an education from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. Gibson, from Potosi, Wisconsin, took an online chemistry class in the summer, which began her Nursing journey. “I got an ‘A’ on that, and thought, hey I can do this,” she said.
Gibson grew up in Iowa and graduated from high school in 1982. She went on to graduate from cosmetology college and worked as a hairdresser for 28 years. She, and her husband, and their family moved to Wisconsin 24 years ago. Later, she decided that she wanted to work in healthcare. She graduated from the Certified Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomist programs at Southwest Tech. For the previous 10 years, Gibson has worked as a phlebotomist at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster, Wisconsin.
Even though she is happy with her current role, nursing has always been Gibson’s true passion. Thanks to the Education Up scholarship program at Grant Regional Health Center, Gibson was able to return to college as a part-time student. “I know I’m 60 years old, but it was a no brainer,” she said. “I am going to go and do what I finally want to do, so that’s what made me come here for nursing.”
According to Stacy Martin, director of human resources at Grant Regional Health Center, Education Up is an Allied Health Professional (AHP) Training and Education grant through the State of Wisconsin. “I wrote the three-year grant with the intention of educating up our current workforce,” she said. “Some staff wish to elevate their education to new or different jobs or titles, but are not able to stop working their current job or lose benefits while returning to college.”
Gibson is continuing to work 32 hours each week at Grant Regional Health Center, while she progresses through the Nursing program at Southwest Tech.
Officials at Grant Regional Health Center identified key job titles they wanted staff to pursue, which were R.N., medical lab tech, and surgery tech.
In Gibson’s case, Grant Regional Health Center is paying 100 percent of her education costs, and will pay her a base wage when/if she has to miss work for school or for clinical rotations. She will then get hired into the new job title when she graduates the program. “It’s been a pure joy to watch current employees pursue a next level degree to remain employed at Grant Regional,” said Martin. “I hope we are lucky enough to secure more grants like this in the future.”
One of the first steps for Gibson to return to college was to acquire her high school transcripts from the late 1970s and early 1980s. “They must have dug down in the archives to get them,” laughed Gibson.
Thus far, the transition back to college, has been a positive one for Gibson. “I don’t feel like I’m super old,” she said. “Sometimes, I feel like, geez, I’m in school with my grandson,” she joked. “It’s ok. I don’t feel intimidated, at all. I think they kind of look at me like, ‘oh wow.’ And, I’ve told a lot of them in my class that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you’re never too old to learn.”
Gibson’s younger daughter currently works as a nurse at Grant Regional Health Center. She, along with Gibson’s co-workers, have provided a great deal of support in her new endeavor. “All my nurse friends at work are rooting for me,” said Gibson. “And, she’s (my daughter) proud of me.”
When Gibson attended Southwest Tech the first time, she was 50 years old. She believes age isn’t a hindrance and encourages others to follow their dreams. “I’ve always had a passion to be a nurse,” she said. “So, my advice is, if you have a passion that you really want to do something, don’t let your age hold you back. Go and do it. And, I feel like going to school is also keeping me young and keeping my mind going, too.”
“I have always been a very empathetic, people person,” added Gibson. “I have always liked to visit with people, make people smile, and help people. And, I think nursing is a good career to do that.”
Since she is going to college part-time, Gibson plans to graduate in three years, when she turns 63. After that, she is hoping to stay at Grant Regional Health Center and work as a nurse, her lifelong passion fulfilled.
• The next opportunity to join the Southwest Tech Nursing program is in January. Classes start Jan. 13. More information: swtc.edu/nursing. In addition, all program students will now be assisted with an individualized Student Success Plan. The plan includes a career conversation, academic map/supports and services, and a financial plan for college and beyond.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named a top 10 finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |