Kailena Amos: From Nursing School Graduate to NICU RN with the Help of WIOA’s Occupational Skills Training

Graduating from nursing school and obtaining an RN license is a monumental achievement in anyone’s life. For Kailena Amos, a recent graduate of the Southwest Baptist University nursing program in Springfield, Missouri, this accomplishment marked the beginning of a promising career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 

However, Kailena’s journey to success wasn’t without its challenges, and she attributes much of her accomplishment to the support she received from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Occupational Skills Training (OST) program through the Lake Area Job Center Affiliate Location. 

For many aspiring nurses, the path to becoming a Registered Nurse is filled with rigorous coursework, clinical rotations, and the daunting NCLEX-RN exam. Kailena Amos successfully navigated these challenges, earning her RN license and eventually landing her in the field as a NICU RN, her dream job. 

Before reaching her current role, Kailena was working part-time as a Patient Care Associate, a job that was both rewarding and educational but did not provide the financial stability she needed to commit to her nursing career fully. This is where the Job Center came into play, offering her the support she needed to achieve her dreams.

WIOA Occupational Skills Training (OST), an initiative aimed at helping individuals overcome employment barriers and reach their career goals, played a crucial role in Kailena’s journey. This program offers financial assistance and support to individuals like Kailena who are eager to further their education and embark on meaningful careers.

WIOA assisted with covering her tuition expenses, alleviating the financial stress that often plagues students pursuing higher education. This support allowed Kailena to devote more time and energy to her studies, ensuring she passed her licensing exam and excelled academically.

Beyond the financial assistance, WIOA OST also provided support during life emergency events. These unforeseen challenges can derail one’s academic and professional pursuits, but Kailena had a safety net in place. “With this help, I was able to focus more on school and making the grades I needed, said Kaelina. “I couldn’t have done it without the support and encouragement from those around me.”

Kailena Amos’ journey from nursing school graduate to NICU RN is a testament to the power of determination and the impact of programs like WIOA Occupational Skills Training (OST). 

Congrats, Kailena!