The Iowa Health Care Association Foundation, Des Moines, has named Mayflower Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Emma Dewey, a recipient of the John W. and Kimberly D. Grubb Registered Nurse Scholarship to continue her education toward her Registered Nurse (RN) licensure.
Emma started nursing work in The Mayflower Community in 2020 as a CNA, working weekends while a student at Grinnell High School and taking classes at Iowa Valley Community College. In 2022, she earned her CMA license while being sponsored by Mayflower.
Continuing to work weekends, Emma finished her classroom and practicum work to complete her LPN license. She is now working on her RN degree at Iowa Valley. The $3,000 scholarship will assist her in her next round of nursing education. Meanwhile, Emma continues to work in Mayflower’s Health Center and plans to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Emma is the granddaughter of Pat Conn, a retired Mayflower RN. Pat started working at Mayflower in 1972. She served as Director of Nursing from 1973 to 1988. Pat worked interim periods for Mayflower until she returned full time in 2001, retiring in 2019.
Pat says, “Mayflower has been a big part of my life. I am delighted to see Emma as part of Mayflower’s healthcare team. We are proud that Emma continues to grow professionally as part of the family there.
Besides Pat, Emma’s mother has worked as a nurse in long-term care. With an early orientation and now hands-on work, Emma finds nursing to be a rewarding career, saying “As soon as I could, I worked in long-term care as has my family.”
Emma goes on to say, “I love how rewarding the job is! You meet so many wonderful people through this job and learn to appreciate and enhance their stories. Seeing my residents having a good quality of life due to my work makes everything worth it! Working in long-term care has completely changed my life and perspective. I have learned so many skills such as communication, empathy, and passion.”
Outside of work, Emma enjoys being with her loved ones, including her fiancé, pets, friends, and family! “They are always encouraging me.”
Emma’s favorite quote is by Mother Teresa, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.”
“The IHCA Foundation helps develop experienced professionals to meet Iowa’s growing need for long-term care,” said Lori Ristau, executive director of the IHCA Foundation. “It is inspiring to see the outpouring of interest in working in long-term care among the scholarship applicants. This year’s scholarship recipients are to be commended for their dedication and commitment to pursuing such a noble profession of helping others.”
Emma will be honored at an IHCA Foundation Scholarship Winner Awards Ceremony and Recognition Luncheon on September 18th.
Kellie McGriff, BSN, RN, NHA, Associate Director/Administrator
