Three WVU School of Nursing students awarded residency through VA-STEP
Pictured from left: Beckley students Logan Ellis, Larisa Griffith and Kaitlyn Sizemore were selected for the VA-STEP Program.
BECKLEY, W.Va. - Three West Virginia University School of Nursing Beckley Campus students were awarded nurse residency through VA-STEP, previously known as VALOR, at the Beckley VA Medical Center.
Logan Ellis, Larisa Griffith and Kaitlyn Sizemore were the three exceptional students accepted into VA-STEP (VA Student Trainee Experience Program), which provides junior level students in an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with incredible opportunities.
Sizemore, originally from Shady Spring, West Virginia, said, “I feel very honored to participate in this program because it allows me the opportunity to help those who have served for me and my country.”
The selected students complete 400 hours of service between June and September. After those initial 400 hours are completed, the selected students are able to choose to work during their senior year. The students are paid for all hours worked.
"Serving veterans means honoring their service and recognizing the unique circumstances they face," said Ellis, from Bolt, West Virginia. “Being able to serve the veteran population is a privilege, a chance to give back to those who have given so much for us. It is a way to express gratitude and ensure that they receive the respect and support they deserve.”
Ellis continued, “It would be an honor to continue to develop my nursing career through serving veterans at the VA after graduation.”
Griffith, who grew up in Camden-On-Gauley, West Virginia, explained, “To me, it means a lot to serve the veterans within my community. Veterans have sacrificed so much to help our country and the people in it. It is important to me to attempt to give back to these veterans just as they have given to us.”
Griffith continued, “My grandfather, a Marine Veteran, has shown me what kind of heart a veteran can have. He has always stood by me and pushed me to be the best that I can be. I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to give back to this population, and I can’t wait to hear each one of their stories.”
After graduation, Griffith hopes to work in the ER at a level 1 trauma center and continue her education to obtain her Master of Science in Nursing. Similarly, Sizemore also hopes to be able to expand her career and further her education as a nurse.
Students interested in future opportunities can contact the Beckley Campus Chair Hillary Parcell at heparcell@mail.wvu.edu.
-WVU-
ap/8/22/2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-923-3591; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu