Overcoming Adversity: April's Journey to Nursing

“My journey to becoming a nurse has been anything but smooth,” said April Higgins when we met to talk about her recent graduation from nursing school. “My journey has been long and filled with many challenges, but with the incredible support of my Allied family, I have finally achieved my dream.”
 

April started attending college in Spring 2016 to get her general education credits, but she always had nursing in mind. “My interest in nursing was piqued when I became a licensed EMT in 2010, but I wanted to wait until my kids were a bit older to pursue a nursing degree.”
 

In 2019, she was accepted into the nursing program at Luzerne County Community College, but she faced her first major setback when she failed her first semester. Determined to succeed, she returned in 2020 with renewed focus. Tragically, her journey was interrupted yet again when she lost both her husband and daughter within months of each other in early 2022.
 

“The pain of losing them was just overwhelming, and I struggled to keep up with everything. I forged on and continued to go to school, but ultimately ended up failing that semester.”
 

Despite these devastating losses, April found the strength to continue despite being faced with either having to change majors or start all over, thanks to the unwavering encouragement and support from her colleagues at Allied Services.

“Everyone here at Allied is my family. My co-workers were just incredible through my loss. The entire time I was in school, they always supported, encouraged, and allowed me to flex my work schedule to accommodate my classes. The company offered tuition reimbursement and scholarships to help with school financially. With their help, I was able to start over and persist through my grief and setbacks.”
 

On May 17, 2024, April stood at the pinning ceremony, a deeply significant event for nursing students that symbolizes the transition from student to nurse. Sue Schwartz, Assistant Vice President of Nursing at Allied Services, who had been by April’s side throughout the journey, was there to do the pinning. “This moment was so meaningful to me because it represented all the hard work, dedication, and perseverance it took for April to get here,” said Sue.
 

April graduated from Luzerne County Community College on May 23 and will be sitting for the NCLEX in the coming weeks. Throughout her 25 years at Allied Services, where she currently works as an Administrative Assistant, she has experienced the incredible support the Allied Services team has to offer.
 

“I just don’t know how to describe it other than family,” said April. “We are family here.”
 

April noted that the tuition reimbursement and scholarship programs offered by Allied Services were instrumental in helping her through school. The flexibility in her work schedule also allowed her to manage classes and responsibilities effectively.
 

“Going to school full-time while working full-time is challenging, but with the support I received, I was able to achieve my goals.”
 

“I will absolutely stay with Allied Services because of the immense support I received during the most challenging times of my life. This place is my family, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

Nursing at Allied Services

RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and NAs are essential at many Allied Services care levels. When you join Allied Services, you can choose from many different care settings, including:

• Skilled Nursing - we're ranked Best Nursing Homes nationally
• Rehabilitation Nursing - we're in top 4% nationwide
• Development Nursing - care for adults with disabilities
• Home Health - we're a Top Performer
• Hospice Nursing - we're proud to be a 5-star team

Call 570.348.1455 to discuss your career goals and interests.

• Learn about tuition reimbursement and scholarship programs here.
• For information on any professional development, contact Maurya Incavido at 570-348-1278.
• Explore job openings here.

Allied Services offers competitive pay rates commensurate with experience plus shift differential, an excellent benefits package, and preceptor-led orientation! Allied Services Human Resources Department, 100 Abington Exec. Park, Clarks Summit PA 18411. Call us today at 1-800-368-3910. Allied Services is an equal-opportunity employer. Bilingual individuals are encouraged to apply.