OSWEGO – As the largest private employer in the area and regional healthcare leader, Oswego Health knows firsthand that a highly educated nursing workforce strengthens the quality of care provided to patients.
Oswego Health believes in investing in its employees and so in 2020, launched a Tuition Assistance Program to support individuals interested in enhancing their careers, all while maintaining a work/life balance. To date, Oswego Health has financially invested over $755,000 in its employees’ education.
Among those who have taken advantage of the opportunity is Jody L. Wood, MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM. Wood is the Director of Surgical Services at Oswego Hospital, and was one of 60 employees who received tuition assistance in 2023 to advance their training and education. Oswego Health is proud to share that she graduated from Grand Canyon University with her Master of Science in Nursing. Wood also took advantage of the Program in 2022 to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Empire State College.
Joining Oswego Health in 2005 initially as a Business Services Coordinator in the Medical-Surgical Unit, Wood discovered her passion for healthcare. She went on to pursue her nursing degree from Cayuga Community College before becoming a licensed Registered Nurse in 2009. From there she returned to the Medical-Surgical Unit as an RN before transferring to Surgical Services in 2011. In this department, Wood has quickly advanced her career and in 2018 transitioned to an RN Educator in the operating room, before earning the promotion to Director of Surgical Services in 2020.
“We could not be prouder of Jody for continuing her education and training,” stated Marq Brown, VP of Human Resources & Chief People Officer. “Her dedication and commitment to providing high-quality, local patient-centered care is truly extraordinary.”
Wood is inspired to be an Instructor one day to foster the future of nursing at Oswego Health. She shares “As a lifelong learner, I am so appreciative of Oswego Health’s tuition assistance program. To be able to advance my knowledge and education is something I owe not only to myself but my patients and my colleagues.”
The Tuition Assistance program offers up to $10,000 per year to current employees at Oswego Health looking to advance their training in nursing, medical imaging, or laboratory science. In addition, Oswego Health offers on-the-job training for phlebotomy and a paid certification program for those looking to become Certified Nursing Assistants at Seneca Hill Manor. New employees or those interested in working for Oswego Health are also eligible to apply at www.oswegohealth.org/careers.