A Professional Dream Come True
Gladys Franck, a registered nurse (RN) in the surgical department for AdventHealth Celebration Hospital in Florida, is living proof that education can unlock opportunities and create a ripple effect that can transform lives.
After immigrating to the United States from Haiti, Franck had to start her career over and build a new life for herself and her two children. With a dream to work in health care, she began her career at AdventHealth through an education assistance program that allowed her to work while also receiving free training to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
As her thirst for knowledge continued and with her dream to become a nurse in view, Franck then pursued her associate degree in nursing. Now, she is living her dream as an RN. Her struggle as a Haitian immigrant, she says, inspires how she cares for her own patients.
“I’ve struggled. I know what struggle is. I’ve suffered. I know what suffering is. When somebody says they’re in pain, I know what that’s like,” she said. “My struggle is what inspires me to care for others and to try to understand how they feel by putting myself in their shoes. That empathy guides me to exactly how I should respond to their need.”
Thanks to AdventHealth’s education assistance offerings, Franck’s tuition throughout her journey was completely paid for by the organization, leaving her with no student debt.
“Removing the burden of paying for school is a big relief,” she said. “I know people who are in student debt and have to pay back the loans they took for school, but I don’t owe a penny because of AdventHealth.”
After more than 14 years with the organization, Franck intends to continue growing her career at AdventHealth. She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN).
“I’m not giving up. I plan to go to school until I cannot read anymore. I love school and learning how to better help people,” she said.
In addition to providing tuition reimbursement and debt-free educational assistance, AdventHealth also offers its team members student loan coaching, repayment support for existing loans and many other resources to grow their career within the organization.
“I constantly want to learn. When I came to AdventHealth and worked as a CNA, I told myself, ‘Why not be a nurse?’ I knew I could do it and that was my determination,” she said. “I want to better my life through every opportunity I can find.”
Franck is an RN in the surgical department at AdventHealth Celebration, which has received Magnet recognition for nursing excellence.
AdventHealth operates four campuses in Texas including AdventHealth Central Texas in Killeen, AdventHealth Rollins Brook in Lampasas, Texas Health Huguley in Burleson and Texas Health Mansfield in Mansfield.
By AdventHealth Stakeholder Communications
