The nursing recruitment and retention committee at Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, recently awarded three $750 nursing scholarships to current OGH employees who are planning to attend an RN program or are currently enrolled in a nursing program.
The three recipients, Kami Carpenter, Mikayla Keis and Abbie Kohler, were presented with this year’s scholarships.
Through various fundraising activities throughout the year, the OGH nursing recruitment and retention committee is able to present this scholarship annually. Applicants must be current OGH employees in good standing and be enrolled in, or enrolling in, a nursing program.
“It has been a life-long dream and goal of mine to become a registered nurse,” said Kami Carpenter, a resident of Hinsdale and nurse assistant on the third floor since 2022. “I feel now is the time to follow through and make that goal and lifelong dream come true.” Carpenter is currently enrolled in the nursing program at Jamestown Community College (JCC) and is expected to graduate in the spring of 2026.
“I earned my CNA certification while I was in high school and began volunteering for my local fire department. I received my EMT and paramedic certification over the last few years,” said Abbie Kohler, an emergency department (ED) technician at OGH. “After seeing how great the care in the ED was when taking my patients there, I knew I wanted to become a part of that, a place where I could help treat patients and where my community would benefit from it.” Kohler, a resident of Olean, is currently pursuing a career in nursing at JCC, expecting to graduate in 2026 as well.
“From a young age, I found myself stepping into the position of a caregiver,” said Mikayla Keis, a nurse assistant on the second floor since 2024. “My decision to become a nurse comes from a very personal place. I want to be a nurse that patients and their families remember for showing the greatest care, compassion, and patience.” Keis, a resident of Olean, is currently enrolled in the nursing program at JCC and is anticipated to graduate in the spring of 2026.
“I am thrilled to recognize Kami, Mikayla and Abbie for their dedication to health care in our community and their commitment to pursuing nursing careers,” said Jennifer Ruggles, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer, OGH and BRMC. “These scholarships help us invest in talented individuals who already contribute to excellent patient care here at OGH, and I know they will make outstanding nurses in the future.”
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