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The past year was quite meaningful for Antoinette Fitzgerald.

First, she graduated in May 2023 with her associate degree in nursing from Kent State East Liverpool.

Then, she was hired by Akron Children’s Hospital as a float nurse for the Boardman location, making history as the first ADN student to complete the hospital’s Career Launch program.

And, just recently, she completed her first year as a registered nurse in the special care nursery at Akron Children’s Boardman location and graduated from its Nurse Residency program.

Fitzgerald explained that the Akron Children’s Career Launch program is designed to assist individuals, especially minorities, further their education and careers by paying them to go to school and removing or minimizing any barriers that may stand in their way, including tuition, books, uniforms, fees and even childcare.

Living in Youngstown, she had worked nine years as a licensed professional nurse (LPN) and always wanted to become a registered nurse.

“My mom saw a story on TV about this program, but I was skeptical. It sounded too good to be true,” she said. “But, I applied and was selected out of hundreds of other applicants. The exciting thing about the Career Launch program is that I not only finished, but I also made history. I’m honored to have made history and to achieve this accomplishment.”

In exchange for the benefits provided by Akron Children’s Career Launch program, Fitzgerald committed to working for the hospital for at least three years once she earned her degree.

“The program made me work harder and made me more determined and motivated. The end goal was always graduation,” she said. “I always wanted to be an RN, but due to issues with time, life and money, I wasn’t able. This program was the solution. I worked hard and I earned my spot in the program, as well as my job. It made me appreciate my position even more.”

Fitzgerald said she credits Kent State East Liverpool with preparing her for the role she now fills at Akron Children’s.

“Kent State prepared me for my job by giving me the education and resources needed to succeed. We got the book knowledge and the hands-on training,” she shared. “We had great mentors who were there to guide us throughout our school years. We were challenged, made to think, encouraged, made to step out of our comfort zones and motivated. 

“I couldn’t have prayed for better instructors,” Fitzgerald continued. “They were a wealth of knowledge, and they passed it along to us. I’m glad to still have them in my corner today. I came to into my position aware and knowledgeable.”

As a first-year nurse at Akron Children’s, Fitzgerald was part of the Nurse Residency program that helped her transition from student to nurse. The program provided mentors and preceptors, as well as educational opportunities, that helped enhance her nursing skills, along with the other first-year nurses in her cohort.

Fitzgerald is quick to note that while the past year was filled with milestones and opportunities, the next few years will continue to push her to greater heights as she begins her quest for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing next March.

Cutline A: Antoinette Fitzgerald, a 2023 graduate of the ADN program at Kent State East Liverpool.

Cutline B: Antoinette Fitzgerald, RN, with one of her littlest patients at Akron Children’s, Boardman special care nursery. (Parental permission was granted for use of this photo.)

Photos courtesy of Akron Children’s Hospital Photographer Tiffany Swift.