Loan Forgiveness

Debbie Conkling, RN, The Women's Pavilion

I started working at Hudson Valley Hospital Center as an LPN in 1981. I initially worked on Brillinger for five years and then had the opportunity to transfer to Maternity in 1986. My coworkers were supportive with me and encouraged me to advance my skills. After several years, I found myself enjoying Maternity nursing and realized that I could seek higher education while remaining in the same area of nursing. I knew that I would be challenged to go back to school, but I was confident that I would be successful.

In 2002, I was provided the opportunity to take advantage of the "Loan Forgiveness Program" offered at Hudson Valley Hospital Center. In exchange for college expenses, I was required to give back two years of service to the hospital as an RN. I was grateful then to have the financial assistance because I was a single parent raising two children. I really would not have had the money to earn my degree otherwise. I attended Cochran School of Nursing, in Yonkers, New York. I continued to maintain full time hours while attending school. I enjoyed learning more about nursing research and developing care plans. I graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing in June of 2004.

Now, I am thankful not only for the opportunity that Hudson Valley Hospital Center has given to me but also the rewards that I receive each day as a maternity RN. I have embraced my role as a leader on the unit, as a Magnet ambassador, the schedule coordinator and committee member for instituting a Mother-Baby care unit. I have also advanced my skills as an RN. I received training as a Labor and Delivery nurse two years ago with certification for Neonatal Resuscitation and External Fetal Monitoring. And, honestly, the pay increase has been a pleasant perk.