“Returned to work and EaRNed It!” –

Story

“Craig showed perseverance while attending school and working full time. He has used every opportunity to thank us for helping to change his life.” – Debbie Perner, VR Counselor

Craig applied for IDVR services in January 2018 to obtain assistance to enter into a new career path after sustaining a workplace injury and being unable to continue in his previous vocation due to the heavy physical demands of his prior work in the construction industry.

After he reached Maximum Medical Improvement from his workplace injury, Craig approached Vocational Rehabilitation requesting assistance with furthering his education in order to enter into a new career path.

After being determined eligible for VR services, Craig indicated his interest and a detailed plan in pursuing training to become a registered nurse and requested assistance to achieve this goal.

Through vocational counseling and guidance, Craig and his VR Counselor agreed upon this goal of nursing as it would meet his interests and his passion for helping others as well as his physical restrictions from his workplace injury. Additionally, Craig indicated that nursing would also meet his financial needs as he worked towards replacing the high wage he was earning previously, in the construction industry.

Vocational Rehabilitation assisted Craig with Vocational Counseling and Guidance throughout his VR case, financial assistance with tuition and books, and assistance with background check and testing fees required to obtain his Registered Nurse License in Idaho.

Craig completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing Cum Laude at Boise State University and obtained his RN licensure in December of 2022.

After completion of his degree and obtaining his RN license, Craig started his journey into his new career with employment at West Valley Medical Center in January 2023 as a Registered Nurse in their Medical/Surgical Unit.

Craig regularly expresses gratitude for the support that VR provided him to achieve his employment goals and to start a new career. Craig also indicates that he refers others to VR, for assistance with their employment goals, because of his positive experience.

“The genuine compassion Craig brings to the team and our patients is palpable. His patients often remember him by name and discuss how he’s had a positive impact on their hospital course and in their lives. The gifts that Craig shares with his patients and our team typically take years to develop; in less than 10 months Craig has learned to balance competing demands with a busy workload while prioritizing individualized care toward our patients. I am so thankful for the efforts of his vocational rehab team who supported him in becoming a Registered Nurse.” – Dawn S. Director, Med-Surg & Orthopedics West Valley Medical Center