September 26, 2023 – Makayla Zehner is an employee at Harlan ARH and enrolled at Southeast Community & Technical College as part of the Working While Advancing Vocationally and Educationally (WAVE) program offered by ARH.

Zehner was chosen as Student of the Month on the KCTCS Pineville Campus. She was nominated by her instructor, Jennifer Nolan, who says, “Makayla is off to a good start this semester! She is eager to learn and dedicated to her coursework, pursuing a nursing career. Her friendly, positive attitude will make her an outstanding nurse one day and ARH is lucky to have her.”

The WAVE program is designed to advance entry level staff into a higher paying position as a Nursing Assistant. This program is available for ARH Team Members interested in becoming a Nursing Assistant and provides them the opportunity to do so at no cost. In partnership with Kentucky Community & Technical College System, the cost of this training is covered entirely for the employees. ARH has helped train 18 Nursing Assistants within the last year.

“We’re incredibly proud of our employee’s journey within our organization. Starting a career with us as a clerk and now pursuing a goal of becoming a Nursing Assistant through this program embodies dedication and ambition. We look forward to continuing to watch Makayla’s journey at ARH and appreciate her commitment to delivering quality care to the residents of Eastern Kentucky,” says Dylon Baker, ARH System Director of Talent Acquisition.

“I chose to go into healthcare while working in the emergency room at ARH as a clerk. By being around the nurses and watching them work to provide patients with the best care, it gave me the desire to also become a nurse.” Says Zehner.

“ARH is proud of Makayla and we look forward to seeing her accomplish this next step in her nursing career. It’s a great thing to say that ARH is helping its’ own employees advance in their career and achieve their goals while they work,” adds Sandy Campbell, M. Ed., ARH Career & Education Program Coordinator.

Baker notes, “Providing opportunities like WAVE is not just a benefit to our employees, it’s a testament to our organization’s commitment to their growth. We firmly believe in assisting our workforce with continuing education, as it not only empowers individuals like Makayla to excel but also provides our entire Team with skilled professionals who drive our mission forward.”

Congratulations to Zehner on her achievement as Student of the Month at KCTCS and on choosing to further her education and career while working!