Life is a journey filled with twists and turns; for Taylor Hart, that journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From being a single parent working as a nurse technician to now being a Registered Nurse (RN) at Mercy Oncology Infusion Center, Taylor’s story is one of determination, hard work, and the invaluable support of programs like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Taylor’s educational path led her to Southwest Baptist University (SBU) in Springfield, where she began her nursing program. After dedicated effort and unwavering commitment, Taylor graduated with an Associate of Science in Nursing in May 2023. But the journey didn’t end there. In June, she received her Registered Nursing (RN) license, marking the official beginning of her nursing career.
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Taylor’s story is even more inspiring because she managed all of this while being a single parent. Balancing the demands of school, work, and parenthood is no easy feat, but Taylor proved that it can be done with the right mindset and determination.
As a nursing student, Taylor worked as a nurse technician. She didn’t let her responsibilities deter her from her dream of becoming an RN. In fact, she used them as fuel to propel her forward. The result? An incredible increase in her income, as she now earns almost $10 more per hour as a full-time RN at Mercy Oncology Infusion Center.
Taylor’s journey wasn’t without challenges, but she had a valuable ally: the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Taylor received essential support through the WIOA Adult Occupational Skills Training program that made her educational and career journey more accessible. The Lebanon Job Center played a pivotal role in providing her with the assistance she needed, and her case manager, Jaci Howard, proved to be an invaluable resource.
Taylor’s words reflect her gratitude for the support she received: “Going back to school was a difficult decision, but WIOA made it so much easier for me to commute, raise my son, and go to school. The representatives are just a bonus; Jaci was so helpful, caring, and informative on other opportunities. I couldn’t have gone through nursing school without them!”
Taylor Hart’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the impact of programs like WIOA in helping individuals achieve their dreams. Her journey from single parenthood to becoming a successful RN is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with dedication, hard work, and the right support system in place. Taylor’s story reminds us that no dream is too big and no obstacle is too significant when you have the determination and support to see it through.
Way to go, Taylor!
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