Blessing's Educational Assistance Programs

Nursing is ever-evolving and changing, requiring nurses to grow and expand their knowledge to deliver safe, high-quality patient care. Blessing has a commitment to education and invests in its nurses and employees through educational assistance programs. Blessing offers several types of assistance for higher education.

The Employee Educational Assistance Program (EEAP)  

What is EEAP?

EEAP provides financial and other assistance to employees seeking degrees at the undergraduate level, graduate level or other qualifying course of study.

What is Covered?

EEAP financial assistance is limited to cost of tuition and course-related fees. Textbooks, supplies, parking/activity fees and other educational expenses are not covered by this policy. Funding is limited to$10,000 (Upon Hire-5 years of service); max of$20,000 (6+ years of service).

Eligibility Guidelines

  • In good standing with no discipline documentations at a warning level or above within the last 12 months
  • An employee status of A4 (32 hours per pay period) or above

Fill out the form 

BRAIN → Forms & Work Orders → Human Resources Forms → Other Human Resources Forms → Educational Assistance Application

The Blessing Education Revolving Fund (BERF)

What is BERF?

BERF is an internal loan option for registered students of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences (BRCN). Students receive the loan up front and work it off at $100per week once employed at Blessing Hospital after graduation.

What is Covered?

BRCN tuition and fees.

Eligibility Guidelines for Reimbursement

  • Must have graduated with degree
  • An employee status of A4 (32 hours per pay period) or above
  • Must work at a Blessing Hospital entity in a bedside role *Registered Nurse

Fill out the form

BRCN.edu → Financial Aid → Financial Aid Forms → Blessing Educational Revolving Fund (BERF) Loan Application

The Blessing Health System Loan Forgiveness (BHSLF)

What is BHSLF?

BHSLF provides financial assistance toemployees who are currently workingas an RN, Radiology Tech, SurgicalTech, Clinical Social Worker, MLT andMedical Technologist.

What is Covered?

BHSLF is limited to outstanding loanbalances related to current workposition. Textbooks, supplies,parking/activity fees and othereducational expenses are not coveredby this policy. Funding is limited to amax of $10,000 for full-time/$5,000for part-time employees.*Excludes BERF & EEAP

Eligibility Guidelines

  • Completed 6 months of servicewithin the Health System afterreceiving certification/licensure
  • Designated as solid or highperformer
  • An employee status of A4 (32hours per pay period) or above
  • Proof of an outstanding educationloan balance meeting the criteriaabove

Fill out the form 

BRAIN → Forms & Work Orders → Human Resources Forms → Other Human Resources Forms → BHS Loan Forgiveness Program

Assistance for specialty certification Certifications are a great way to extend the knowledge of the nurse to become an expert in their specialty. Blessing offers two ways to support nurses who seek out professional certifications. There is a voucher program where the nurse enters a special code when registering for the test, and it is free for the nurse. The hospital also offers study courses and materials at no cost to nurses. 

The second option is if there is not a voucher program for the certification the nurse is seeking, they can pay out of pocket for the exam. Once they have passed the exam, they can be reimbursed for their cost. Approximately 40% of all eligible Blessing Hospital RNs are certified. 

Shannon admits even with the assistance, returning to school is not easy.

“It has its challenges,” she admits. “I feel there are times I should be focused on my children, but also have school work on my mind. It can be distracting, but I have learned to balance it all.”

Being able to work toward her degree on a part-time basis, and the understanding of the Blessing-Rieman faculty is part of the balance that is moving Shannon, and her family, toward the goal of earning an MSN degree. “Part time is much more manageable, and the instructors work with you,” she concluded.